NBA legend Kevin Garnett hopes LaMelo Ball gets into the All-Star Game

KG believes in LaMelo Ball.

Zach Roberts | 9 Hours Ago

Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) brings the ball into play during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images / Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

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Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball is currently leading all Eastern Conference players in NBA All-Star voting. It's hard to imagine a scenario in which the Charlotte Hornets star doesn't make it, and he very well could be a starter. However, some in the media believe he's not as deserving as other candidates, and that he might be better off left as a snub.

That's not true of everyone, though. Former NBA MVP Kevin Garnett is not someone who believes Ball's shortcomings, or those of his team, should keep him out of the All-Star game this year.

Kevin Garnett wants LaMelo Ball in the ASG

There's no denying it. @MELOD1P is that guy.

Vote for Melo for #NBAAllStar: https://t.co/rUk6biLNZE pic.twitter.com/QXu6WYAP6L
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 8, 2025

LaMelo Ball has a stat line of 29.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. He's adding 1.4 steals for good measure. Those are all All-Star caliber numbers. The disconnect occurs when factoring in two things: team record and efficiency.

Ball is shooting 42.3% from the field, good for 113th among qualified players. His team is 8-27. The main criticism is that his numbers are volume stats that are empty on a very bad team. Despite all of that, Kevin Garnett wants him in the All-Star Game this year.

KG said, "LaMelo has a different bag and he's playing with a different confidence. I hope the league blesses him with an All-Star. He is must-watch TV." The league may not have to do anything, though, since Ball is doing so well in the early fan voting.

Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) stretches before the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images / Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images

Other former players have not shared this same tune. Chandler Parsons has been critical of Ball at times. Lou Williams has, too. It's refreshing to see a former player hype up Ball rather than try to tear down his game and tarnish his numbers.