From the very beginning of the season, the bond Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball built in their first season together was evident on and off the floor. Starting the year on the bench together as super subs, Ball and Bridges became the sparks for the Hornets before each took bigger roles as the season moved on.
As a result, there are fewer players, if any, better-suited to analyze Ball’s game after his rookie season. Making an appearance on ESPN’s KJZ with Jay Williams and Keyshawn Johnson, Bridges spoke on a number of things on Wednesday, including Ball’s first year in the league.
“Just what he brings to the game. When’s the last you’ve seen – you could say Ben Simmons – but when’s the last time you’ve seen a player that can create for his teammates, play at the pace that he does and he puts in a lot of work. That’s what people don’t about him. People just think that he’s just talented but he puts in a lot of work in the summer and I can’t wait to work with him this summer. But the passion he brings to the game and all that, you can’t teach that. Like I said, I can’t wait to work out with him this summer and get better as the years go.”
The comparison to Ben Simmons is an uncommon, yet apt one. Both players excel in up-tempo offenses and possess incredible passing ability. In the current NBA, the two are likely top five passers in the league and absolute top-ten passers.
Ball and Bridges together now present the Hornets with a building block moving forward of dynamic, modern players who can take the franchise to the next level.
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