Shortly after the LaMelo Ball rumor surfaced, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Charlotte Hornets may not be too keen on trading the star until they get a long look at the core pieces together. Their win over the Toronto Raptors, given the circumstances, is proof that the front office is onto something.
It wasn't just a textbook victory for the Hornets, as it came against the hottest Eastern Conference team. The Raptors are No. 2 in the East in the standings (14-6) and in point differential (+6.0). They also entered the Saturday tiff hoping to extend their win streak to 10.