Title:
Subtitle: Breaking down LaMelo Ball’s rise and a pivotal Pistons rematch.
Email Subject Line: Can LaMelo and the Hornets Bounce Back?
🚀 LaMelo climbs the rankings
LaMelo Ball has made a huge jump in The Ringer’s player rankings, moving from 53rd to 27th. It’s one of the biggest in-season climbs, and honestly, I’m not surprised. His usage rate is historically high—think Stephen Curry and James Harden territory—but it’s the way he balances scoring and playmaking that stands out.
• LaMelo’s rise is even more impressive when you consider the injuries to Mark Williams and Nick Richards, leaving him without his usual pick-and-roll options. Still, he’s finding ways to dominate.
🌟 Tidjane Salaun’s breakout performance
Tidjane Salaun had his best game as a pro, scoring 11 points with eight rebounds and showing flashes of real potential. Watching him operate, it’s clear he has tools that could make him a major contributor—or even a star—down the road.
• Salaun’s ability to attack the rim, draw fouls, and even knock down threes is ahead of schedule for a raw rookie. He’s improving game by game, and that’s exactly what you want from a developmental pick.
• Fans are still fawning over big rookie numbers from Dalton Knecht and Jared McCain, but I see something in Salaun that’s different. This kid could be a difference-maker, not just a solid role player.
Yes, Knecht is lighting it up with the Lakers, but Salaun’s ceiling is higher. I can’t wait to see how he grows over the next couple of years.
🏀 Previewing Hornets vs Pistons
The last time the Hornets played the Detroit Pistons, it came down to the wire, with Brandon Miller’s buzzer-beating putback sealing the win. But this isn’t the same Pistons team. Jalen Duren is back, and they’ve been playing some solid basketball lately.
• Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are another major challenge. Cade’s size and versatility make him tough to handle, and Ivey’s speed can break down any defense.
• Duren is a problem on the boards. He’s averaging over 12 rebounds since his return, and with the Hornets’ struggles on the glass, this could be the key to the game.
The Hornets need to bring the physicality and limit second-chance points. If they can match Detroit’s energy, they have a shot at pulling out another close win.
🤔 What’s up with Charles Lee?
I still can’t get over LaMelo being benched in game 14. It was surprising, to say the least. Lee’s explanation—that Trey Mann had the hot hand—didn’t make sense to me, and his postgame comments felt rushed and unconvincing.
• Was this a calculated move to hold LaMelo accountable, or just an emotional reaction? Honestly, it feels like the latter.
• Tonight’s game is huge for both LaMelo and Lee. If LaMelo comes out locked in, it could validate the decision. If not, it could spark bigger questions about their relationship.
🔮 My takeaway
This game against Detroit is more than just another matchup. It’s a chance for the Hornets to prove they can bounce back, even when things get messy.
• I’ll be watching the rebounding battle closely. If the Hornets can limit Duren and keep Cade inefficient like they did last time, they’ll be in a great spot.
• Tidjane Salaun and Miles Bridges will be key contributors tonight, but ultimately, this game is about LaMelo setting the tone.
If the Hornets want to shake off all of this LaMelo-bench noise no better way to do it than a win. Let’s see if they can put it all together.
