Hornets' LaMelo Ball Launches Esports Brand 'MB1 Gaming' with One Up
Jan 26, 2022
Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is launching his own esports brand called MB1 Gaming in conjunction with esports technology firm One Up.
According to Shawn Grant of TheSource, Ball said the following regarding his decision to delve into esports:
"When I am not playing and focusing on basketball, I'm gaming. This was a way to extend my brand to new fans and empower a next generation of esports athletes to compete and monetize their skills. MB1 will be the destination for the gamer who wants to compete and be a part of my gaming community."
MB1 Gaming and One Up have already announced an NBA All-Star Weekend NBA 2K22 Invitational with a prize pool of $25,000.
Per Grant, the tournament will begin Feb. 5 and the top four finalists will advance to Cleveland, where they will compete on Feb. 18 during NBA All-Star Weekend.
The winner of the tournament will receive $20,000, while each of the finalists will receive a pair of signature Puma MB.01 shoes.
In just his second season, Ball is already among the most popular, exciting players in the NBA.
After going third overall in the 2020 draft, LaMelo averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game en route to being named Rookie of the Year.
He has been even better this season, averaging 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers made and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Ball also has the 26-21 Hornets trending toward potentially reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The 20-year-old will be in Cleveland for All-Star Weekend regardless because of MB1 Gaming's inaugural tournament, but he might have some other business to attend to in the form of the NBA All-Star Game.
Ben Simmons Trade Rumors: Hornets Among New Teams to Inquire About 76ers PG
Jan 24, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons plays during Game 5 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly joined the Ben Simmons sweepstakes, according to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, but "there's been nothing substantive" to the talks with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks are considered the most active tams in trade talks, although the 76ers could also keep the three-time All-Star beyond the NBA's Feb. 10 trade deadline and use him in deals to land a superstar in the offseason.
A lack of urgency to complete a trade could keep the Sixers' price tag high.
"The 76ers have wanted a top-level All-Star or a package featuring a bevy of first-round draft picks for Simmons," Charania and Amick reported.
The Hornets have exciting young players in LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, but they likely don't want to to deal either one as they build for the future. Though Bridges is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason, he is in the midst of a breakout season with averages of 20.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Other contributors like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier or Kelly Oubre Jr. could be appealing for the 76ers as they try to build a contender, but they all fall short of the Sixers' reported asking price.
Philadelphia could still change its mind as it tries to take advantage of an MVP-caliber campaign from Joel Embiid. The center is averaging 28.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, although the squad sits in sixth place in the East with a 27-19 record.
A trade could work out for both teams, especially helping Charlotte on the defensive end.
The Hornets enter Monday sixth in the NBA in offensive rating but just 26th in defensive efficiency.
Simmons could turn things around in a hurry as an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. He has been named first-team All-Defense in each of the last two years and finished the 2020-21 season tied for sixth leaguewide in defensive win shares, per Basketball Reference.
The Hornets could have an exciting team if they pull off a trade for Simmons.
Hornets' LaMelo Ball Sued by Publicist Amber Johnson for Damages in Excess of $10M
Jan 13, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 12: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 12, 2022 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is being sued by a publicist.
Per TMZ Sports, Amber Johnson is seeking more than $10 million in damages, having alleged in a lawsuit that Ball's camp didn't uphold its end of an agreement to pay her 10 percent of any endorsement deal she helped facilitate.
In October 2020, Gerald Flores of Esquire reported Ball signed an endorsement deal with Puma worth an estimated $100 million.
Per TMZ Sports, Johnson said in the lawsuit she "helped facilitate communication" between Ball and Puma that eventually led to the agreement.
Johnson also claimed she was never reimbursed $4,800 in personal expenses to help Ball with other projects.
Per MyNewsLA.com, Johnson and Ball's camp had a verbal agreement about her compensation. The site also noted Johnson said in her lawsuit that Ball's manager, Jermaine Jackson, told her in August 2019 to stop talks with Puma because the Hornets star "was likely going to enter a similar deal with Nike."
Ball's camp has yet to issue an official comment on the lawsuit.
The 20-year-old is in his second season with the Hornets. He was selected No. 3 overall in the 2020 draft and was named 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year.
LaMelo Ball Says It's 'Amazing' to Have Michael Jordan as Hornets Governor
Dec 23, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 20: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action in the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 20, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is enjoying life under team governor Michael Jordan.
Ball told The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania that having Jordan atop the organization is "amazing."
"Having him as an owner, there's not a lot of them out there," he said at the 3:28 mark. "How many Black owners we got, for real?"
Charlotte Hornets young star LaMelo Ball sits down with @Stadium: On being born left handed before his father LaVar made him change to right hand, ambidextrous skill set, leadership, stability after playing all over world, more. pic.twitter.com/thgLiNO7OI
The reigning Rookie of the Year added he hasn't faced off with MJ on the court yet.
Jordan's reputation obviously precedes him. He's a six-time champion and widely considered the greatest NBA player ever. No other team governor in the league can boast that kind of resume as a player.
Because of that, it's not hard to see why players would relish the opportunity to join the Hornets. But Jordan's ownership tenure hasn't delivered much on-court success.
The sale of the Charlotte Bobcats to the 58-year-old was approved in March 2010. Starting with the 2010-11 season, Charlotte has made two trips to the playoffs, failing to get out of the first round on each occasion. The Hornets also have the fifth-worst winning percentage (.414) over that span, per Stathead.
Ball may be helping to reverse that trend.
The team finished with a losing record in 2020-21 but won 10 more games (33-39) than the previous season. The Hornets are 16-17 and ninth in the Eastern Conference this year.
More than that, Jordan may have a long-term cornerstone in Ball, who's averaging 19.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k2Kzz1Woo0
Charlotte hasn't been a marquee free-agent destination. The 20-year-old could change the perception, or at the very least make the franchise attractive for disgruntled stars looking to get traded.
Jordan was a serial winner as a player, success that hasn't translated to his time as a team governor. Thanks to Ball, the Hornets' future is looking bright.
Gordon Hayward Ruled Out for Hornets vs. Jazz Because of Back Injury
Dec 21, 2021
Charlotte Hornets' Gordon Hayward (20) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaac Okoro (35) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward will miss Monday's game against the Utah Jazz because of lower back discomfort.
The 12-year NBA veteran has posted 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in his second season with the Hornets.
In 2020-21, Hayward averaged 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists with Charlotte, who inked the former Butler star to a four-year, $128 million contract in free agency.
But it was an injury-shortened campaign that saw him play 44 games, as he suffered a season-ending right foot sprain against the Indiana Pacers on April 2. He clearly made a positive impact when he was on the court, though, helping the Hornets improve from 23-42 to 33-39. They were 24-20 with the 31-year-old playing.
That helped Charlotte earn a spot in its first-ever play-in tournament, but the Hornets were eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Indiana Pacers in their opening game.
Still, Hayward has helped usher in a new era of hope for the Hornets, who will be guided into the 2020s by Rookie of the Year point guard LaMelo Ball. Hayward, Terry Rozier and others figure to complement the rising star as the Hornets look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Without Hayward, though, the Hornets will likely turn to offseason acquisition Kelly Oubre Jr. to start at small forward. He is averaging 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 29.0 minutes per game.
The former Kansas star, who spent 2020-21 with the Golden State Warriors and inked a two-year, $26 million deal for the Hornets last offseason, is in his seventh NBA campaign. Miles Bridges could also see more time at forward off the bench.
Hornets' LaMelo Ball Partners with Memorigin to Create Luxury Watch Line
Dec 14, 2021
Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has partnered with luxury watch brand Memorigin on a new line of watches.
The initial launch will feature two watches, one costing $20,000 and another at about $6,800.
"His faith is his source of strength, inspiring him to face the challenges of every game with determination and perseverance. LaMelo Ball hopes to share his philosophy with fans through the creation of his brand," Memorigin said in a statement.
The watches feature several Ball-centric touches, including depictions of LaMelo's tattoos that read "fear" and "God."
Hornets' LaMelo Ball Cleared from Health Protocols; Will Have Rehab Assignment
Dec 14, 2021
Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been cleared from the NBA's health and safety protocols and will join the G League's Greensboro Swarm for a rehabilitation assignment.
Ball has not played since Charlotte's Dec. 1 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jalen McDaniels and Mason Plumlee, who are also returning from safety protocols, are also with the Swarm.
The Hornets have gone 2-3 without Ball in the lineup, beating the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings while losing to the Philadelphia 76ers twice and the Dallas Mavericks. Rookie James Bouknight has taken on a larger role in Ball's absence, highlighted by a 24-point outing in Friday's win over Sacramento.
Ball got off to an All-Star-caliber pace in his second NBA season, averaging 20.0 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range. The Hornets (15-13) have established themselves as a threat for the Eastern Conference playoffs while playing some of the most entertaining basketball in the sport, thanks in large part to Ball.
The team will undoubtedly welcome his return.
LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, More Hornets in Health Protocols; Likely Out Several Games
Dec 4, 2021
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 23: Terry Rozier #3 talks to LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 23, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets announced guards LaMelo Ball
and Terry Rozier, center Mason Plumlee and forward Jalen McDaniels entered the NBA's COVID-19 health and
safety protocols on Saturday.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported at least Ball and Rozier are "expected to miss several
games":
Ball and Rozier are expected to be sidelined for at least 10 days, or unless they record two negative tests in a 24-hour period moving forward, sources said. Charlotte will be without its young star and fellow starting guard for the time being. https://t.co/6EGuscCDBI
It's a significant setback for the
Hornets, as all four players are part of the team's rotation, with
Ball and Rozier among their top three
scorers.
Ball has been the driving force beyond
the team's success so far this season. He's averaged a team-high 20
points along with 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals across 24
games as Charlotte has compiled a 13-11 record in pursuit of its
first playoff berth since 2016.
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year
ranks sixth among all players in FiveThirtyEight's WAR metric.
Rozier ranks third on the Hornets in
scoring (17.7 PPG) while also averaging 3.6 dimes, 3.5 boards and 1.3
swipes in 19 appearances.
Plumlee (6.8 PPG) and McDaniels (5.5
PPG) are key pieces of the frontcourt rotation.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the
Hornets sent home the remainder of their staff and players while
awaiting further information about the possibility of more positive
test results.
Charlotte, which is scheduled to travel
Saturday ahead of Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Hawks,
tentatively has enough players to satisfy the NBA's minimum of eight
to play a game.
A confirmed positive test leads to a
mandatory 10-day quarantine based on the league's COVID protocols.
For Hornets players, that would result in a minimum absence of five
games through a Dec. 13 meeting with the Dallas Mavericks.
The NBA hasn't been forced to postpone
any games on its 2021-22 schedule because of coronavirus-related
issues so far.
Charlotte last played Wednesday, a
127-125 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Lonzo Ball, Bulls Defeat LaMelo Ball, Hornets Behind Nikola Vucevic's Massive Game
Nov 30, 2021
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 29: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball against LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets on November 29, 2021 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls bounced back from Saturday's three-point loss to the Miami Heat with a 133-119 win at home over the Charlotte Hornets. Nikola Vucevic had a team-high 30 points and 14 rebounds as Chicago improved to 14-8.
It's just the second win in the last five games for the Bulls, who started the season 6-1 but have since had trouble remaining consistent.
The Hornets fell to 13-10 after their second straight loss. Terry Rozier led Charlotte with 31 points, while Gordon Hayward had 22 points and LaMelo Ball added 18 points and 13 assists.
Notable Player Stats
C Nikola Vucevic, CHI: 30 points (6-of-6 3-pt FG), 14 rebounds
G DeMar DeRozan, CHI: 28 points
G Zach LaVine, CHI: 25 points
G Lonzo Ball, CHI: 16 points, 8 assists
G Terry Rozier, CHA: 31 points
G Gordon Hayward, CHA: 22 points
G LaMelo Ball, CHA: 18 points, 13 assists
Bulls' Hot Shooting Puts Hornets Away
Chicago had its best offensive performance of the season through the first three quarters of Monday's game. The Bulls scored at least 30 points and outscored the Hornets in each of them.
Early on, the game was very competitive as the teams traded leads back and forth. The game was tied at 54 with just over four minutes remaining in the second quarter before Chicago went on a 15-4 run heading into halftime, capped by a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Vucevic.
The Bulls continued to pour it on and led by as many as 23 in the third quarter. LaVine had 12 points in the frame. Chicago shot over 70 percent from the field in both the second and third quarters.
But the Hornets refused to go away and cut the lead to four in the fourth quarter. Chicago was able to withstand the run and regained control of the game with a balanced attack.
Give Donovan credit for settling his team down after the Hornets cut the lead to 4. Bulls came out of timeout with an easy basket inside for Vucevic, then a steal & blocked shot for breakaway baskets to regain control.
It was another efficient performance for Chicago, which came into the game ranked sixth in the NBA with a field-goal percentage of 46.4 percent. Vucevic, LaVine, DeRozan, Ball and Alex Caruso (14 points) each converted on over 50 percent of their shots.
The Bulls might not be able to duplicate Monday's shooting performance in every game this season, but the team should surely have a boost in confidence going forward after finishing the game shooting 59.6 percent.
Hornets' Defense Falters as Comeback Falls Short
Charlotte could've packed it in after going down by 23 in the third quarter, but the team refused to give up and made things interesting down the stretch.
Charlotte was able to slow down the hot-shooting Chicago offense by switching to a zone defense in the fourth quarter. The lead was cut to 110-106, but the Hornets couldn't complete the comeback as the Bulls ended the game on a 23-13 run.
Charlotte would have had a better chance if it had switched to the zone earlier in the second half. The Bulls have struggled against zone defenses this season, and it was a key reason for the Hornets' comeback in the fourth quarter. But when Chicago started to pick up the tempo and get out in transition, Charlotte couldn't hold off the easy baskets.
The Hornets have been one of the better offensive teams in the league this season. But Charlotte will have to figure out who it wants to be on defense if it hopes to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
What's Next?
The Bulls will enjoy a couple of days off before traveling to face the New York Knicks on Thursday. The Hornets will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in the third contest of a four-game road trip.
LaVar Ball: 'They're Not' Going to Name LaMelo MVP Unless Hornets Make the NBA Finals
Nov 28, 2021
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 27: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts to a three point basket during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
LaVar Ball has never shied away from setting the expectations bar high for his sons, and he believes LaMelo can make NBA history.
"Do I think he can win it? No. I know he can win it," he told TMZ Sports when talking about the possibility the Charlotte Hornets star could capture the NBA MVP award.
Doing so this season would make Ball the youngest to win the coveted award at 20 years old. Then-Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose won it for the 2010-11 season at 22 years old.
However, LaVar added a caveat.
"Here it is: They're not gonna give Melo the MVP unless he makes it to the Finals," he said. " … You know why? The NBA—what do you need? You need the next superstar, and you know who he is? My boy."
The Hornets making the NBA Finals might be more of a stretch than Ball winning the MVP since they would have to deal with some combination of the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat and perhaps Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Ball, who won last season's Rookie of the Year, would also need to improve his individual numbers after averaging 19.4 points, 8.0 assists, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. They are impressive totals, but they aren't MVP-caliber marks.
