The Charlotte Hornets finished 2024-25 with the third-worst record in the NBA. To say that was disappointing is an understatement. Though they weren’t exactly playoff contenders entering the season, most people probably would’ve expected them to win at least 20 games.
However, their calamitous campaign can be partially attributed to the fact that they were dealing with injuries. A back injury had prevented Tre Mann —a key backup —from playing since November. Then Grant Williams —a valuable frontcourt piece —tore his ACL in December. Brandon Miller —one of their top players —tore a wrist ligament soon after. LaMelo Ball’s season ended after he underwent surgeries on his wrist and ankle.
LaMelo Ball’s Brother Makes Shocking Hornets Prediction
Ball, the face of the Hornets, is on the injury report frequently. So much so that he’s all but a thorn in the Hornets’ side. Since being drafted third overall in 2020, the 6-foot-7 playmaker has missed 169 games. The only season that he missed fewer than 20 games was 2021-22.
Perhaps that’s why his brother, Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball, says he visualizes the Hornets drafting his replacement the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
He adds that he sees his brother being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. This latter suggestion could simply be connected to their California roots. However, it’s worth noting that Clippers guard James Harden shares many similarities with La. Ball. Furthermore, Harden can opt out of his contract this offseason.
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets,” the former second overall pick tells his co-hosts on The WAE Show (h/t Charlotte Hornets Reddit), a conglomerate that includes brother LiAngelo Ball.
Lonzo Ball on @TheWAEShow:
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the Clips.”
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— r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) May 16, 2025
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“And I got (LaMelo) going to the Clips.”
The idea of the Hornets drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper hasn’t been explored by many.
If I was the Hornets, I would draft Harper and trade Ball. LaMelo is injury-prone, more flash than substance, and takes too many plays off defensively. I also think Harper is already more mature and will be a better leader
— ℚ (@qshironalberti3) May 13, 2025
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However, it will be now that Lo. Ball has made such a shocking prediction.
Dylan Harper Is Goldilocks
Right now, Harper’s expected to be drafted second overall and land with the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, his fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle is clunky; all three are at their best as on-ball scorers and playmakers. Additionally, neither Fox nor Castle nor Harper is a high-quality 3-point shooter.
His fit with the Philadelphia 76ers is better. Nevertheless, he isn’t an ideal backcourt mate for Tyrese Maxey either. Both are at their best with their ball in their hands and have inconsistent 3-balls. They can make plays at the other end, but aren’t elite on-ball defenders.
However, if the Hornets have plans to supplant Ball, he’s all but perfect for Charlotte.
He isn’t immune to injury but his ankles aren’t fragile. He isn’t a spectacular defender but plays with more effort. His shot-selection isn’t perfect but he’s more efficient because he isn’t so reliant on taking tough 3s. He isn’t as prodigious a passer but he’s more than capable of being the primary facilitator. Lastly, he’ll have a much cheaper price tag over the next few years.
Putting The Puzzle Together
As for trading Ball? That should also allow them to upgrade another position. Multiple teams in the league could use a point guard upgrade, includes contenders like the Clippers, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
As a result, players like Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins, or Jalen Suggs could head to Charlotte. In Powell and Wiggins, they’d acquire two-way wings who pack way more of a punch than Josh Green. In Suggs, they’d land a two-end guard whose defensive prowess could make life a lot easier for Harper.
© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
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