LaMelo Ball's playmaking boosts Hornets' offense last season

LaMelo Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds last season with the Charlotte Hornets, who performed significantly better offensively when he was on the floor. The team was 11.6 points per 100 possessions better with him, indicating his crucial role. He contributed to a strong second half of the season, leading the Hornets to a 34-17 record from January 1, with the top-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense during that period. A team source expressed that Ball's presence was vital for improving the overall play of teammates.

• 5:33 PMYahoo Sports — “We needed a guy like LaMelo to make everybody …