NBA Notes: Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Kings, Keegan Murray, Nuggets

Hornets

Not everyone around the league is convinced LaMelo Ball can be the long-term face of a winning franchise.

That’s according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who discussed the Hornets’ outlook alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps on The Hoop Collective podcast.

MacMahon said it’s not a controversial take among NBA insiders to question whether Ball — immensely talented as he is — can lead a contender.

“LaMelo Ball’s a mega-talent,” MacMahon said. “I just don’t think he can be the face of a winning franchise.”

Ball’s main issues are availability and impact. He’s appeared in only 105 games over the past three seasons, and when he does play, his decision-making and defensive focus can be hit or miss.

He shot just 33.9 percent from three last season but still launched more than 11 attempts per game.

There’s no denying the star power, as Ball is basically a walking highlight reel. But Charlotte’s playoff drought continues, and at some point, the gaudy stats need to turn into wins.

Basically, the Hornets’ young core of Ball, Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel has potential, but questions about leadership linger.

Kings

The Kings are exploring lineup options with Keegan Murray sidelined by a thumb injury, according to James Ham of The Kings Beat.

Coach Doug Christie admitted replacing the versatile forward — who brings size, athleticism, and 40-percent shooting from deep — won’t be easy.

“We have a couple of different guys that can equal Keegan,” Christie said. “But we don’t have Keegan.”

Christie plans to test combinations in Sacramento’s final preseason games this week.

Veterans Dario Saric and Drew Eubanks are among the fill-in candidates, as are rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud.

The Kings’ thin depth at power forward is one reason they pursued Jonathan Kuminga this summer.

Nuggets

The Nuggets added point guard James Akinjo on an Exhibit 10 contract, per Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

Akinjo, 24, spent last season with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd, averaging 14.6 points and 7.9 assists per game.

Denver’s affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, previously traded for his returning rights — a strong sign this deal was coming.

Akinjo will likely be waived before the regular season but could earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he spends 60 days with Grand Rapids. The Nuggets now have 20 players under contract.