Some around the NBA are skeptical about the idea that Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is suited to be the lead figure on a team with big aspirations, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

MacMahon and colleagues Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps broke down the Eastern Conference in the newest episode of Windhorst’s Hoop Collective podcast. The panel discussed Charlotte’s young core of Ball, Brandon Miller and 2025 first-round pick Kon Knueppel, with MacMahon wondering whether it all clicks eventually.

“LaMelo Ball’s a mega-talent, who I just don’t think can be the face of a winning franchise,” he said at the 1:00:50 mark. “And by the way, that’s not considered a controversial opinion when you talk to people within the league.”

The concerns with Ball are twofold.

The 6’7″ playmaker has logged a total of 105 appearances over the past three seasons. A cornerstone piece who’s making more than $40 million annually has to be on the court more frequently.

The added frustration with Ball, one shared by the Hoop Collective panel, is that he doesn’t always impact games in a positive way when he does play. His defensive lapses can add up, and his shot selection undermines some of his offensive value.

Ball didn’t let the fact he was a 33.9 percent shooter from the perimeter stop him from attempting 11.2 threes per game in 2024-25.

There’s no question the 2021-22 All-Star can compile a sizzling highlight reel.

Charlotte’s ongoing playoff drought isn’t down entirely to him, either.

Sooner or later, though, Ball’s gaudy individual numbers need to start translating into wins for the Hornets. The longer they remain mediocre or worse, the harder it will become to buy the idea Ball is still their future.