Minnesota Timberwolves point guard LaMelo Ball is enjoying a fresh start. The Timberwolves acquired him from the Charlotte Hornets this past summer, adding another playmaker alongside franchise star Anthony Edwards.

Ball has faced criticism throughout his career, but NBA insider Jon Krawczynski recently explained why his opinion of the guard has changed.

LaMelo Ball Praised For Positive Impact On Timberwolves

On Tuesday’s “The Jon Krawczynski Show,” the host believes Ball’s mindset has changed, saying, “He was an unserious player, and I don’t think that’s debatable. He was not serious; it’s like a circus. And if you go back and look at YouTube videos of him literally peeling out of the parking lot and running red lights. That’s not what serious humans do.”

He continued, “I have talked to so many people, and they were just like: this guy, he is going to fit perfectly. It’s a revelation. Like him playing defense. People love him. He cares. He has matured. I just could not be happier for the fit.”

Ball won the Rookie of the Year Award and became an All-Star during his time in Charlotte, but he was also a polarizing figure. Fans enjoyed his explosive scoring and playmaking, while critics questioned whether his approach translated into winning basketball.

Ball’s comments to the media also drew criticism. In November 2024, the NBA fined him $100,000 for making an offensive and derogatory remark during a postgame interview following Charlotte’s win over Milwaukee.

The Hornets eventually moved the former No. 3 overall pick in a four-team offseason trade that sent him to Minnesota.

As Krawczynski noted, the move has given Ball a fresh opportunity. He is averaging 18.3 points and 6 assists per game while shooting 44.9% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He is also averaging a +10.5 plus/minus across his 11 appearances, reflecting Minnesota’s scoring advantage during his time on the floor.

Perhaps the most significant development, however, has been his defensive improvement. His effort on that end was frequently questioned during his time in Charlotte, with critics pointing to his commitment and focus.

Through 11 games with Minnesota, the 25-year-old is averaging 1.7 steals per game. Yahoo Sports also reported that he is recording 3.7 stops per 100 possessions, ranking in the 83rd percentile among guards. The outlet also cited DARKO’s Defensive Daily Plus Minus, which gives him a +0.0 rating, his third-best mark of his career.

While the sample remains relatively small, those numbers support the improvement Krawczynski has noticed. The former All-Star has also appeared more engaged defensively and better suited to Minnesota’s approach.

Ball has helped the Timberwolves reach an 8-3 record while Edwards remains sidelined following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Minnesota has continued to compete in the Western Conference despite losing its leading star.

While there has been speculation about the Timberwolves’ outlook with Edwards unavailable, Ball’s strong play, along with wing Jaden McDaniels, has kept the team firmly in the playoff picture.

The early returns in Minnesota have given Ball an opportunity to change the perception surrounding his game, particularly on the defensive end.