LaMelo Ball opens up to media about first NBA practice

After being selected in the league's first virtual draft due to Covid-19 and the massive changes sports leagues have undergone to remain viable, LaMelo Ball opened up to the media about his first NBA practice and what it was like to be on the floor with recently acquired forward Gordon Hayward.

The Hornets are focused on playing a smaller, faster lineup this season due to thee team's lack of size in the low post. Ball will be a key factor in the team's ability to pick up the pace against larger teams. "The first day of practice was cool ...really loved it to be honest," Ball said.

"It's just another step in the journey - another chapter."

CHARLOTTE HORNETS 2020-21 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

PLAYER POS HT EXP

2 LaMelo Ball G 6-7 R

8 Bismack Biyombo C 6-9 9

0 Miles Bridges F 6-7 2

22 Vernon Carey Jr. C 6-10 R

31 Keandre Cook G 6-5 R

30 Nate Darling* G 6-5 R

12 Javin DeLaurier F 6-10 R

4 Devonte’ Graham G 6-2 2

20 Gordon Hayward F 6-7 10

10 Caleb Martin F 6-7 1

11 Cody Martin F 6-7 1

6 Jalen McDaniels F 6-10 1

1 Malik Monk G 6-3 3

14 Nick Richards F 6-11 R

7 Grant Riller* G 6-3 R

3 Terry Rozier G 6-1 5

21 Xavier Sneed F 6-5 R

25 P.J. Washington F 6-7 1

5 Kahlil Whitney F 6-6 R

40 Cody Zeller F/C 7-0 7

Today the NBA announced the Charlotte Hornets schedule for the first half of the 2020-21 season which begins on Wednesday, December 23, at Cleveland before returning home on Saturday, December 26, to host the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7 p.m. at Spectrum Center. The match-up against the Thunder will give viewers their first look at Ball on the Hornets home court. On November 30, the Hornets announced that home games would be held without fans when the season begins. Pre-season play begins December 12.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS 2020-21 PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

Dec. 12 vs. Toronto Raptors Spectrum Center Charlotte, NC 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Toronto Raptors Spectrum Center Charlotte, NC 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Orlando Magic Amway Center Orlando, FL 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Orlando Magic Amway Center Orlando, FL 7:00 p.m.