With the 2025 NBA Draft fast approaching, most top prospects are wrapping up visits and private workouts. However, according to a recent report, one projected lottery pick declined a workout with the Charlotte Hornets due to concerns about playing alongside LaMelo Ball.
The decision has quickly sparked debate. Charlotte holds the No. 4 overall pick, putting them in position to land one of the draft’s top perimeter prospects. Still, not every young guard is eager to share the backcourt with Ball, whose ball-dominant style and high usage rate may be seen as a challenging fit.
Lottery Prospect Allegedly Avoided Hornets Due to Concerns With LaMelo Ball
Citing a source familiar with the situation, Mike Lacett of Carolina Sports Live reported that at least one projected lottery pick intentionally skipped a pre-draft workout with the Hornets to avoid playing alongside LaMelo Ball.
“Spoke with a source tonight who told me at least one draft lottery pick refused to work out with the Hornets out of a desire not to play with LaMelo Ball,” said Lacett.
Spoke with a source tonight who told me at least one draft lottery pick refused to work out with the Hornets out of a desire not to play with LaMelo Ball.
– Mike Lacett (@mikelacett) June 19, 2025
Remember, 23-year-old LaMelo Ball has missed significant time over the past two seasons due to recurring ankle injuries. Despite the setbacks, he remains the focal point of Charlotte’s long-term rebuild and a foundational piece of the franchise.
When healthy, Ball is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision, crafty passing, and impressive scoring ability from multiple levels on the court.
However, his tendency to dominate the ball and control most possessions can make him a difficult fit for certain prospects. His high-usage playing style and strong preference to initiate nearly every possession may not suit players looking to develop as primary creators or lead guards at the NBA level.
For a young prospect hoping to showcase their full skill set, playing alongside a ball-dominant star like Ball could be seen as limiting.
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The Hornets have committed to a youth movement built around Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. While that core offers promise, the franchise’s ongoing instability and lack of playoff success continue to cloud its overall appeal. Frequent coaching changes, front office turnover, and an evolving roster may raise red flags for top prospects evaluating their development opportunities.
Although the identity of the player who declined the workout remains unknown, the report adds an interesting wrinkle to Charlotte’s pre-draft narrative.
If more lottery-caliber prospects begin to express similar concerns, it could signal deeper issues within the organization and spark broader questions about its ability to attract, develop, and retain elite young talent heading into the 2025 NBA Draft.
