LaMelo Ball, drafted in 2020, is entering his 6th NBA season.
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Consider opening night as the appetizer to Wednesday’s 12-game main course. Basketball junkies around the world are celebrating as 10 of those games are on NBA League Pass. Today, we are showing love to five players on the eight teams that have five or fewer national TV appearances (including those on NBA TV). The teams are: Miami (5), Charlotte (3), Chicago (3), Brooklyn (2), New Orleans (2), Washington (2), Toronto (2) and Utah (2).
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Williamson appears healthy and in great shape, which has Pelicans’ fans rejoicing. There is no denying his talent – he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 30 games a season ago. His availability is the key to New Orleans’ success. The Pelicans open the season on Wednesday against the Grizzlies (8 ET) and host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday (8 ET).
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Adebayo is worth the price of admission for what he does on the defensive side of the court. What he does on offense is a bonus. He’s made five All-Defensive teams and anchors the paint for the Heat. Last season, he averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. The Heat are in Orlando on Wednesday (7 ET), head to Memphis on Friday (8 ET) and host the Knicks on Sunday (6 ET).
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Ball is one of the most entertaining players in the league. Is he too flashy at times? That’s debatable, but when healthy, you’re guaranteed to see plays that earn ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ along with eye-popping stats (25.2 points, 7.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game). Is this the season where his numbers translate into more wins for the Hornets? The Hornets take on the Nets on Wednesday (7 ET) and visit the Sixers on Saturday (7:30 ET).
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Every scouting report involving the Jazz starts with Markkanen. Standing 7-foot-1, his ability to shoot from distance and put the ball on the floor and attack the basket makes him a tough cover. He averaged 19 points and 5.9 rebounds last season. The Jazz play the Clippers on Wednesday (9 ET) and the Kings on Friday (10 ET).
Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors
Injuries limited Ingram to 18 games a season ago with the Pelicans. Now healthy and with the Raptors, he’s going to be counted on to stuff the stat sheet. The versatile forward has averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 495 career games. The Raptors visit the Hawks on Wednesday (7:30 ET), host the Bucks on Friday (6:30 ET) and play the Mavericks on Sunday (7:30 ET).
