If you’re watching a Charlotte Hornets game for the first time in 2026, you might be a little confused. You see this skinny, 6'7" guy with neon sneakers and a tattoo sleeve bringing the ball up the court, looking like a small forward but throwing overhead lobs like Jason Kidd. It’s a fair question to ask: what position is LaMelo Ball exactly?
In the official NBA box score, he’s a point guard. Always has been. But in the actual flow of a modern NBA game, the answer is a bit more nuanced.
The Modern Lead Guard Label
Honestly, the days of "1 through 5" basketball are mostly dead. LaMelo is the perfect example of why. Standing at 6'7", he has the height of a traditional wing, yet his entire DNA is built around being a floor general. He’s a Primary Ball Handler.
Basically, he’s the engine. Whether he's starting alongside a defensive-minded guard like Josh Green or sharing the floor with scorers like Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, Ball is the guy responsible for initiating the offense. On January 9, 2026, we saw a perfect distillation of this "positionless" role. He dropped 33 points against the Pacers, but he did it by weaving through the defense, acting as a shooting guard for stretches while Brandon Miller handled the rock, then immediately switching back to a traditional PG role to find teammates for open looks.
Why People Get Confused About His Role
It’s the height. Usually, when a guy is 6'7", you expect him to be crashing the boards or camping in the corner for a catch-and-shoot three. LaMelo doesn't do that. Well, he can rebound—he’s actually elite at it for his position—but he’s most dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Some analysts, like those over at Sports Illustrated, have debated whether he's a "true" point guard. The argument is usually that he plays with too much flair or takes too many "hero ball" shots. If you look at his recent 2025-26 stats, he's averaging nearly 8 assists a game. That’s pure point guard territory. But he’s also a high-volume scorer.
- Primary Role: Point Guard / Lead Playmaker
- Defensive Versatility: Because of his length, he can technically defend 1s, 2s, and some 3s (Small Forwards).
- Off-Ball Play: He’s increasingly used as a secondary creator when the Hornets want to change the pace.
Is He a Shooting Guard?
Not really. But sort of. In the Hornets' current depth chart, he is listed as the starting PG. However, Coach Charles Lee has experimented with lineups where LaMelo plays off the ball to maximize his catch-and-shoot ability. He’s got a quick release. When he's "playing the 2," it usually means a secondary ball handler like Collin Sexton or Tre Mann is on the floor to take the pressure off him.
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This isn't a demotion. It’s strategy. By moving LaMelo around the perimeter, the Hornets make it impossible for defenders to just "stay in front" of him. He becomes a ghost. One second he's at the top of the key, the next he's coming off a screen for a wing three.
The "Point Forward" Argument
Some old-school fans want to call him a point forward because of the height. It doesn't quite fit. A point forward usually operates from the elbow or the post (think LeBron James or Scottie Pippen). LaMelo operates from the logo. He’s a perimeter-first player.
His game is built on:
- Transition Vision: He hits outlet passes before the camera can even pan down the court.
- Handle: For someone that tall, his center of gravity is remarkably low when he’s dribbling through traffic.
- Gravity: Even when he doesn't have the ball, defenses have to respect his 30-foot range.
Defending Multiple Positions
This is where the "6'7" point guard" thing becomes a massive advantage. In a switch-heavy NBA, LaMelo doesn't get "hunted" on defense as easily as a 6'1" guard might. He’s skinny, yeah—the 180-pound frame is still a talking point—but his wingspan (roughly 6'10") allows him to disrupt passing lanes.
He’s currently averaging over 1.5 steals per game in the 2025-26 season. That’s not because he’s a lockdown "on-ball" defender; it’s because he uses his height to play the safety role. He sees the play developing and uses those long arms to poke the ball away.
The Reality of the 2026 NBA
If you're looking for a simple answer to what position is LaMelo Ball, he's a Point Guard. But if you want the "expert" answer, he is a High-Usage Perimeter Creator. He’s the centerpiece of the Charlotte Hornets' rebuild.
The team has surrounded him with versatile wings like Tidjane Salaun and Miles Bridges to complement his ability to see over the defense. When you have a 6'7" guy who can pass like a magician, you don't put him in a box. You just let him play.
To understand how his role impacts your viewing or your fantasy team, keep an eye on his "Usage Rate." In the 2025-26 season, it has hovered around 30%. That tells you everything you need to know. Regardless of what letter is next to his name on the broadcast, the offense starts and ends with him.
If you’re tracking his progress this season, focus on his assist-to-turnover ratio. While his flashy style leads to the occasional "head-scratcher" pass, his evolution into a more disciplined floor general is the key to Charlotte making a real playoff push. Watch how he handles the fourth-quarter pressure; that’s where you’ll see if he’s truly a "point guard" or just a scorer with a great handle.