James Borrego’s long path to his head coaching position has included stops at multiple franchises before landing in Charlotte. Borrego’s experience with many players both directly and indirectly over his decade as an NBA coach allowed him to pick a unique comparison for LaMelo Ball when recently asked ahead of Saturday’s Clippers game.
“The closest thing I’ve seen that I’ve been around and coached is Manu Ginobili,” Borrego said. “I’ve used that comp a little bit before. Just the ability to make plays off instinct, off competitive spirit, at times just making something out of nothing. Secondly, just trying to hit home run after home run, they both have that ability. That’s probably the closest thing that I would say. They’re not exactly the same position but they play with that same sort of spirit and mentality throughout an NBA game.”
Borrego spent three years as an assistant coach with the Spurs at the tail end of San Antonio’s dynasty with Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. As Borrego notes, Ginobili and Ball do not play similar positions but their ability to make plays on instinct is what leads to the comparison.
Like Ginobili, Ball was able to step in from day one and make an impact on the Hornets. While Ginobili’s statistical impact wasn’t as great as Ball’s, the former contributed to a team that won a title. That Ball was able to make an instant impact was the thing that has surprised Borrego most about his rookie guard.
“I guess what’s surprised me is his maturity, his poise at the age of 19 to come into the NBA and not be fazed by the moment, by the schedule, by the pace of play,” Borrego said. “It’s like he’s been doing this for a number of years. And then secondly, I think it’s just his ability to impact winning. At such a young age, he’s had such an impact on us winning a number of games this year and that’s not always the case for a 19-year-old.
“You can look up the draft board. It just doesn’t happen very often. This is a 19-year-old rookie starting on an NBA team and he’s got his hands and imprint all over helping us win games. He’s been a thrill to coach.”
Unfortunately, Borrego’s quotes came just before Ball suffered an injury to his wrist that led to surgery and him being ruled out for four weeks. Nonetheless, Ball’s impact has been felt on Charlotte this season plenty already.