LaMelo Ball (Timberwolves jersey photoshop) vs. Kon Knueppel
LaMelo Ball (Timberwolves jersey photoshop) vs. Kon Knueppel
The NBA landscape changes in the blink of an eye.
Just a couple of months ago, LaMelo Ball was the clear leader of the Charlotte Hornets. He was drafted third overall in 2020, immediately earned Rookie of the Year honors, and he became an All-Star by 2022. Ball's flashy style of play as a jumbo guard who is a highlight waiting to happen made him a huge fan favorite and one of the most popular players in the entire league.
However, some have tagged the loser label on Chino Hills' finest because he was never able to lead the Hornets to the playoffs. Plus, he has been sidelined because of injuries far too often.
Ultimately, the Hornets decided to move on from their franchise player, trading him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal for Naz Reid, a 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-rounders.
It was a polarizing trade in which some thought the Timberwolves fleeced, and others thought the Hornets did the necessary. Regardless, Ball's cult following is hyped up for his return to Charlotte. The same can be said about Reid, too, who amassed a loyal fanbase during his time in Minnesota.
So, when will LaMelo be back in Charlotte to face his former team following this summer's blockbuster trade?
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The Timberwolves will play the Hornets in Charlotte for the first time on Presidents' Day during the NBA's four-game window to celebrate the holiday, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. This game will be played at noon ET on February 15, 2027, with LaMelo's new team on the road to face Kon Knueppel and the new-look squad in Charlotte.
Hornets fans will get to see firsthand how Ball's style of play works with his new teammates.
The guard was known for throwing lobs to electric dunkers like Miles Bridges, and now he has Anthony Edwards to feed the rock to. The new backcourt duo, which is one of the best in the NBA, will surely be entertaining in transition and via alley-oops.
Will Ball be able to get the Timberwolves over the hump, though?