LaMelo Ball's six-season run with the Charlotte Hornets, marked by his iconic No. 1 jersey and franchise records, ended with his 2026 offseason trade to Minnesota. The Hornets' current squad, building on that legacy, recently secured a 110-96 victory over the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. That win is part of a 3-2 stretch in their last five games, showing a team in transition but finding ways to compete.
Selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball spent six full seasons in Charlotte. He initially wore No. 2 for his first two years before switching to No. 1 for his final four. In those four seasons with the single digit on his back, Ball put up impressive averages of 22.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. His shooting splits were 41% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
Ball left a permanent mark on the Hornets' record books. At the time of his trade, he ranked sixth on the franchise's all-time scoring list. He also sat second in three-pointers made, trailing only the legendary Kemba Walker. Perhaps his most distinctive achievement was recording the most triple-doubles in Charlotte Hornets history, a sign of his all-around game.
The Hornets' jersey history project highlights every player to wear each number. Ball is the latest in a long line of players to don No. 1 for Charlotte. The list before him includes notable names like point guard Baron Davis and defensive specialist Briante Weber.
Other players who have worn the number include Derek Anderson, Jason Hart, and Cartier Martin. This historical context shows how jersey numbers carry legacy from one era to the next. You can explore the full history of the roster and its current composition on our official roster page.
The post-Ball era Hornets are establishing their own identity. Their most recent result was a solid 110-96 home win against the New York Knicks on April 12, 2026. That victory capped a recent five-game sequence where the team went 3-2, with a pattern of Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Win.
Looking at the specific scorelines provides a clearer picture. Before beating the Knicks, they fell 118-100 to the Detroit Pistons on April 10. A 113-102 loss to the Boston Celtics followed on April 8. The wins in this stretch were convincing, including a 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 5 and a 129-108 win against the Indiana Pacers on April 3.
This mix of high-scoring wins and competitive losses defines their current phase. The team's offensive output, seen in scores like 127 against Phoenix, shows potential. Consistency on defense will be key for future success. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on the standings and schedule pages.
Moving forward without a franchise player like Ball is a significant challenge. His trade to Minnesota creates a major opportunity for other players on the roster to step up. The Hornets will need to identify a new primary playmaker and scoring leader.
The recent form suggests the team has capable scorers. Building a cohesive system that doesn't rely on one superstar will be the coaching staff's main task. Developing young talent and making strategic acquisitions will shape the next chapter of Hornets basketball.
LaMelo Ball's era, symbolized by the No. 1 jersey, is now part of team history. The current Hornets are writing the next page, game by game. Their ability to learn from both their explosive wins and their tough losses will determine how quickly they can return to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
