NBA Teams Face Performance and Financial Scrutiny: LaMelo Ball's Shot Mechanics Under Review as High-Value Contracts Draw Concern.

The current NBA season has brought a range of performance concerns to the forefront, from individual player mechanics to team-wide strategic issues and the financial implications of high-value contracts. Recent analysis highlights the unorthodox shooting of Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, the persistent turnover struggles of the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers’ challenging start and its impact on future draft capital, and the financial commitment to Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

LaMelo Ball’s Evolving Shooting Mechanics Under Scrutiny

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has increasingly drawn attention for his unconventional one-legged 3-point attempts, a shot choice that has become a regular feature of his offensive repertoire. While select players such as Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Trae Young, and LeBron James occasionally deploy this type of shot, often in unique circumstances or for flair, Ball has adopted it as a foundational element of his step-back and off-the-dribble attempts.

Ball’s usage of the one-legged shot extends beyond creating space, appearing in scenarios where he is already moving in a specific direction, seemingly for rhythmic purposes. However, statistical outcomes have raised questions regarding its efficacy. For the current season, Ball is converting just 28% of his 3-point attempts overall. More specifically, he has made only 7 of 27 (25.9%) step-back 3-pointers and is shooting 27.5% on all off-the-dribble 3-pointers, according to NBA.com tracking data. This marks a continued decline in his 3-point efficiency, which has steadily worsened over the past three seasons, reaching a career-low this year. In the previous season, Ball shot 28% on pull-up jump shots, which encompass many of his non-step-back off-the-dribble attempts.

Related News :

Historically, Ball demonstrated promise as a perimeter shooter, maintaining a league-average 3-point percentage in his third season. However, his current trajectory suggests a struggle with consistent form. While Ball is widely recognized for his exceptional talent and unique playmaking abilities—the Hornets have consistently performed better when he is on the court—his shooting efficiency remains a critical area for improvement. As of early December, the Hornets hold a record of 6-12, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. Ball’s individual statistics for the season include averages of 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, alongside a 43.3% field goal percentage. Addressing his shooting mechanics and consistency will be crucial for both Ball’s individual development and the Hornets’ long-term competitiveness.

Golden State Warriors Grapple with Escalating Turnover Issues

The Golden State Warriors, a franchise historically known for its fluid offense, are currently facing significant challenges stemming from an alarming increase in turnovers. Once capable of compensating for careless mistakes with overwhelming firepower, the team’s current roster composition and athletic profile no longer afford such luxury. The Warriors are currently averaging two more turnovers per game than last season, with 16.2% of their total possessions ending in a turnover—the fourth-worst mark in the league, according to Cleaning the Glass.

This increase in ball-handling errors directly correlates with the team’s win-loss record. The Warriors have compiled a record of 10-1 this season when they either win or tie the turnover battle against their opponent. Conversely, they are 1-9 when they commit more turnovers than their adversary. This stark contrast underscores head coach Steve Kerr’s recent assessment. "I have zero doubt that the number one thing keeping us from winning consistently is our turnovers," Kerr stated. "Zero doubt. The numbers show it. The tape shows it. … If there is one thing that is keeping us from winning more games, it’s the turnovers. Make no mistake."

The Warriors’ offensive philosophy, characterized by high-pace play, anticipatory passes, and needle-threading ball movement, inherently carries a heightened risk of turnovers. When executed flawlessly, this style yields aesthetically pleasing and highly efficient plays, such as backdoor cuts, slips to the basket, and early offense opportunities. However, the current iteration of the team, which has seen veteran additions like Chris Paul and the integration of younger players, appears to be struggling with the precision required for this complex system. As of early December, the Warriors hold an 8-10 record, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. Addressing these ball security issues will be paramount if the team is to climb the standings and regain consistency. Upcoming fixtures against competitive Western Conference teams will test their ability to minimize errors.

Los Angeles Clippers’ Struggles Bolster Oklahoma City Thunder’s Future

The Los Angeles Clippers have endured a challenging start to the season, particularly following the acquisition of James Harden. Once viewed as a significant contender, the team has plummeted to a 5-15 record, including losing 15 of their last 17 games. Their only two victories during this period came against the Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, both teams with comparable or worse records at the time of the matchups.

While injuries have played a role, with Kawhi Leonard experiencing his typical availability fluctuations and other key players missing time, the team’s performance with Leonard on the court has also been concerning. The Clippers are 3-7 in the 10 games Leonard has played, posting a net rating of minus-8.6 points per 100 possessions when he is on the floor. James Harden, despite individual statistical production, has reportedly expressed frustration with the team’s struggles. The team’s chemistry and overall cohesion have been subjects of considerable discussion since the multi-player trade that brought Harden to Los Angeles, impacting their current standing at 13th in the Western Conference.

The Clippers’ struggles carry significant long-term implications due to their unprotected 2026 first-round draft pick, which is owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Paul George trade in 2019. The 2026 draft class is widely anticipated to be exceptionally deep and talented, with some league executives, as cited by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, believing prospects like Cooper Flagg could still be a top-three pick even if he had remained in that class. Should the Clippers continue their current trajectory, the Thunder stand to gain a potentially high lottery pick in a class featuring multiple high-impact players.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently a formidable and talented young team with a 13-6 record (2nd in the Western Conference as of early December), are already poised for sustained success. The addition of a high-value, unprotected pick from a struggling Clippers team could further amplify their competitive window and asset accumulation strategy. This pick, combined with other draft capital the Thunder possess—including Utah’s 2026 pick if it falls outside the top eight—positions Oklahoma City for a potentially unprecedented era of roster building. The ramifications of the Clippers’ current predicament extend beyond their own season, potentially reshaping the competitive balance of the league for years to come by empowering an already ascendant Thunder franchise.

Joel Embiid’s Contract and Health Raise Long-Term Concerns for Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to sign Joel Embiid to a three-year, $193 million contract extension in September 2022 has increasingly become a subject of scrutiny, particularly in light of his recent health and on-court availability. The extension, which takes effect after his current deal concludes, secures Embiid through the 2026-27 season, with the final year potentially paying him $67.4 million. Critics argue that the 76ers front office could have exercised more patience, given Embiid still had two years remaining on his previous contract, including a player option for the 2026-27 season. Waiting would have provided more data on his long-term health trajectory.

Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, has a documented history of injuries that have impacted his availability throughout his career. While he has led the 76ers to consistent playoff appearances, the team has yet to advance beyond the second round during his tenure. This season, Embiid has played in a limited number of games due to a combination of knee soreness and illness. In a recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, where he was a minus-11, his impact was visibly diminished.

When Embiid has been on the floor this season, the 76ers have posted a defensive rating that would rank among the worst in the league, according to Cleaning the Glass. While he remains a potent offensive force when healthy, capable of drawing double teams and operating effectively in the mid-range and post, concerns persist regarding his defensive mobility and ability to rebound consistently at an elite level. As of early December, the 76ers hold a 12-7 record, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference, demonstrating resilience even with Embiid’s intermittent absences, largely due to the emergence of Tyrese Maxey.

The financial commitment to Embiid’s contract represents a substantial portion of the 76ers’ future salary cap. This long-term investment places significant pressure on his ability to remain healthy and perform at an MVP level. The contractual landscape underscores the inherent risks associated with max extensions for players with extensive injury histories, prompting questions about the timing of the 76ers’ decision and its potential long-term ramifications for the franchise’s flexibility and championship aspirations.