LaMelo Ball's high usage rate questions his impact on the Charlotte Hornets' success in the upcoming NBA season.
The Charlotte Hornets’ outlook for the 2025-26 NBAseason hinges heavily on how LaMelo Ball manages his role, particularly his usage rate impact. Last season, Ball recorded an exceptionally high usage rate of 35.9%, the highest across the league and one of the top individual marks historically. Despite this, his shooting efficiency was modest, with a field goal percentage of 40.5%, and his performance raised questions about how well the Hornets can rely on him moving forward.
To put Ball’s usage in perspective, players who reach such high usage rates typically demonstrate outstanding effectiveness and consistently contend for All-NBA honors. However, aside from a few exceptions like DeMarcus Cousins post-trade, Jermaine O’Neal after suspension, and Michael Jordan during his Wizards tenure, almost all players with similar usage percentages made All-NBA teams. Ball did not, and his production suffered accordingly.
Challenges linked to Ball’s heavy offensive role and injury concerns
ESPNinsiderZach Kram highlighted key concerns surrounding LaMelo Ball, emphasizing that despite his high usage, his overall impact fell short.
“Even if Ball had played enough games to qualify for All-NBA consideration, he wouldn’t have come close. His PER was the worst for any player with a 35% usage rate in NBA history,”
Kram said. This reflects that Ball’s heavy ball dominance did not translate to efficient or winning performance metrics last season.
Kram also raised the question of Ball’s durability and role as a foundational player for the Hornets.
Image of: LaMelo Ball
“Factor in his frequent injury absences, and it’s unclear if Ball is still a franchise player the Hornets should build around, or rather a ball-dominant entertainer who doesn’t win games,”
he added. This uncertainty creates tension for the Hornets as they plan their team’s future, with Ball‘s availability and on-court efficiency being critical.
Beyond Ball’s usage and health, other figures will contribute to the Hornets’ prospects in 2025-26. Brandon Miller’s scoring, Kon Knueppel’s three-point shooting, and Moussa Diabate’s defensive abilities are all pivotal. Diabate’s recent choice to forgo EuroBasket, for example, is viewed positively for the Hornets, potentially improving his readiness for the season.
Ball’s usage rate is expected to decrease somewhat as the Hornets acquire more offensive weapons, which could help address his inefficiencies. However, the team’s overall success will still heavily depend on how well Ball performs when he is on the floor, alongside supporting contributions from his teammates.
What lies ahead for the Hornets and LaMelo Ball?
The 2025-26 season stands as a critical test for both LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets. Ball must balance his usage rate with improved efficiency and sustained health to justify the Hornets’ decision to center their franchise around him. The team’s ability to compete in the coming season will likely reflect how well Ball adapts to sharing offensive responsibilities and stays on the court. His performance could ultimately determine whether Charlotte emerges as a legitimate contender or continues to face challenges linked to his inconsistency and injury history.
