LaMelo Ball is already starting to show why Hornets were right to trade him

The Charlotte Hornets will feel validated by their decision to trade LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

By Nathan Doyle · Swarm and Sting

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 5:27 PM

Key Things to Know

Nathan Doyle argues LaMelo Ball's erratic play proves the Charlotte Hornets were right to trade him to Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards is expected to miss two months following right knee arthroscopic surgery on October 29.
The writer notes Minnesota lost two of three games with Ball as primary leader amid inconsistent shooting and turnovers.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Nathan Doyle of Swarm and Sting argues that the Charlotte Hornets were justified in trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. After starting 3-1 alongside Anthony Edwards, Ball was thrust into the primary leadership role under head coach Chris Finch following Edwards' knee surgery, which is expected to sideline him for two months.

Doyle asserts that Ball's erratic decision-making and inconsistency hinder team success, noting Minnesota lost two of three games with Ball leading. During that span, Ball posted 13 turnovers, 14 personal fouls, and shot 31.6 percent, leading the writer to conclude Charlotte made the right move to move forward.

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LaMelo Ball is already starting to show why Hornets were right to trade him

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