— Mike Lacett (@mikelacett) June 19, 2025. For a team desperately looking to rebuild after missing the playoffs for the ninth straight year, this kind of news hits hard.

Lacett adds that the prospect’s move came out of a desire not to play with Hornets star LaMelo Ball. Charlotte owns the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ( CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — They were strangers. Two teams coming together as one. Initially, Mallard Creek ...

Per Mike Lacett, anchor, reporter for Carolina Sports Live, one of the projected draft lottery prospects, refused to workout for the Hornets, citing a desire to not play with Ball as the reason.