Hornets head coach reveals next steps for LaMelo Ball's development

LaMelo Ball is one of the most exciting prospects in the NBA. At 22 years old, Ball has already made an All-Star team and could have repeated the feat had he not suffered a fractured ankle last season. 

Fortunately for the Charlotte Hornets, Ball is expected to be ready for the start of the new season. 

During a recent interview with the Charlotte Observer, Hornets head coach Steve Clifford was asked about Ball's next steps. Clifford gave his thoughts on how his star guard can improve on both sides of the floor. 

"See, I think it’s continued improvement defensively, which he improved a lot last year," Clifford said. "And then as much as anything offensively, it’s continue to work on his pick-and-roll game. He can be a great, great pick-and-roll player. We want to get him involved in more pick-and-rolls with different combinations. Not just with centers. With the other perimeter players also. He’s terrific anyway, but that can get his game to the next level."

The Hornets will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2022-23 season. Injuries ravaged the Eastern Conference strugglers. Yet, the silver lining is that those struggles allowed them to select Brandon Miller with the second-overall pick in the 2023 draft. Miller will likely be positioned to develop into a second option behind Ball in the coming years.

With a healthy Ball, a returning Miles Bridges, and a blue-chip rookie prospect, Clifford can begin dreaming of a play-in tournament push. Still, if Ball can improve on the areas his head coach has laid out, the Hornets will aim much higher in the near future. For now, though, Ball should focus on remaining healthy and available for selection. 

The 6-foot-7 guard needs to continue playing against elite competition to reach his incredibly high ceiling. After all, making an All-Star team in your sophomore season isn't an easy achievement. 

Ball can become an All-NBA talent in the near future if he can improve his health and refine his offensive and defensive game.