NBA Notes: Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Pacers, Pascal Siakam, Celtics

Hornets

LaMelo Ball finally gave the Hornets something they desperately needed this past season — availability.

As relayed by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Ball appeared in 72 games this year after playing just 36, 22 and 47 games over the previous three seasons combined.

That changed everything for Charlotte.

The Hornets used only 19 starting lineups all season after constantly shuffling rotations the previous year, and they reportedly went 32-9 when Ball shared the floor with Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller and Moussa Diabate.

Charlotte improved from 19 wins to 44.

“I’m so proud of him, playing 72 games,” Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson said.

Ball still averaged more than 20 points and 7.1 assists while posting one of the strongest on-court impacts of his career.

Marks noted Ball becomes extension-eligible July 6 and could sign a two-year extension worth approximately $119 million.

There’s no major urgency yet with three years remaining on his contract.

Still, if Ball lands on an All-NBA team next season, his eventual price tag could explode into the $300 million range.

Pacers

The Pacers have built a reputation for aggressively extending their own players, and Pascal Siakam may eventually be next in line.

According to Marks, Siakam becomes extension-eligible this summer and could sign a three-year deal worth roughly $207 million.

The veteran forward remains highly productive despite Indiana’s difficult season.

Siakam averaged 24 points per game, his highest scoring average since 2022-23, while continuing to serve as one of the league’s steadiest two-way forwards.

There is some long-term risk involved, however.

An extension would begin when Siakam is already 34 years old, making age and future decline obvious concerns for Indiana’s front office.

At the same time, the Pacers appear very much in win-now mode after recent roster moves, including the acquisition of Ivica Zubac.

That likely makes keeping the core together a priority despite the financial challenges that come with it.

Celtics

Payton Pritchard may quietly own one of the NBA’s best contracts.

Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year is set to earn just $7.8 million next season despite taking on a dramatically larger role for the Celtics.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined for much of the season, Pritchard shifted from spark-plug reserve into a regular starter and delivered career-best numbers almost across the board.

He averaged 17.0 points and 5.2 assists while appearing in 79 games, including 50 starts.

Even when coming off the bench, Pritchard remained highly productive. Marks noted he averaged 17.2 points as a reserve and finished among the NBA leaders in plus-minus off the bench.

Beginning Oct. 1, Pritchard becomes eligible to sign a three-year extension worth approximately $67 million.

Given his current value relative to salary, it would hardly be surprising if Boston tries to lock him up sooner rather than later.