Hornets
Several NBA insiders remain unsure whether LaMelo Ball can anchor a championship-caliber roster, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said on “The Hoop Collective” podcast with Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps. MacMahon described the view as common around the league, noting that Ball’s combination of limited availability and uneven impact fuels the doubt.
Ball has appeared in just 105 games over the last three seasons. When on the floor, he has flashed star-level playmaking but has also faced criticism for shot selection and defensive focus. He attempted more than 11 three-pointers per game last season while converting 33.9 percent.
Charlotte’s playoff drought continues despite Ball’s highlight-reel performances. The organization is banking on its young core of Ball, Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel, yet questions about leadership persist.
Kings
With forward Keegan Murray sidelined by a thumb injury, Sacramento is experimenting with new lineup combinations, assistant coach Doug Christie told reporters, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat. Christie acknowledged Murray’s absence leaves a significant void because of the second-year player’s size, athleticism and 40-percent three-point shooting.
Veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks, along with rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud, are under consideration for extra minutes during this week’s final preseason games. Sacramento’s thin depth at power forward was one reason the club explored acquiring Jonathan Kuminga during the offseason.
Nuggets
Denver has signed guard James Akinjo to an Exhibit 10 contract, Spotrac’s Keith Smith reported. The 24-year-old spent last season with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd, averaging 14.6 points and 7.9 assists.
The Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s affiliate, recently obtained Akinjo’s returning player rights, signaling the move was imminent. He is expected to be waived before opening night but can receive a bonus of up to $85,300 if he remains with Grand Rapids for 60 days. The Nuggets now have the maximum 20 players under contract for training camp.
Source: Hoops Wire
