Carmelo Anthony raves about LaMelo Ball's leadership of the Charlotte Hornets

Q: Why is Carmelo Anthony praising LaMelo Ball right now?

Carmelo Anthony is praising LaMelo Ball because he sees him leading the Hornets with freedom and confidence. Anthony said on the NBA on NBC broadcast that Ball was displaying leadership during the game. The article says Ball has been crucial to Charlotte’s improved play since January.

Q: How has LaMelo Ball helped the Hornets this season?

LaMelo Ball has helped the Hornets by serving as their leader and primary playmaker. The article says Charlotte turned into a different team by 2026 after a slow start, largely because the team played much better basketball from January onward. Ball’s growth has also made other NBA teams take notice.

Carmelo Anthony raves about LaMelo Ball's leadership of the Charlotte Hornets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets continue to be one of the most impressive stories of the 2025-26 season. They had a slow start to the season, but by 2026, they had become a different team.

That mostly comes from the team overall playing much better basketball from January onwards. LaMelo Ball has been crucial during this time as the team's leader and playmaker, which has helped him garner interest from the rest of the NBA.

Carmelo celebrates LaMelo Ball's leadership

Over the past few years, the Hornets have not been a top team. They are often seen as one of the mediocre teams in the Eastern Conference, mostly because they have struggled to build around their stars.

In the past, that was Kemba Walker, who was followed by Ball. Now, LaMelo is becoming a proven leader and playmaker for the Hornets, which is enough for them to reach the postseason.

MORE:Brandon Miller celebrates LaMelo Ball's impact for the Hornets

As one of the league's most vocal analysts, Carmelo Anthony has always loved what he saw from the Hornets. He appreciated their potential, especially when it came to his fellow Melo.

"This is what we've been raving about watching these guys... we've been raving about LaMelo playing with that type of freedom and leadership. He's displaying that tonight," Anthony said on the NBA on NBC broadcast.

As the Hornets continue to progress, more people will see and appreciate LaMelo Ball. He is a talented guard with a limitless skill ceiling, and people are warming up to him being known as a winning player.