While a Play-In Tournament loss extended the Charlotte Hornets' active NBA playoff drought, star point guard LaMelo Ball is choosing to focus on the team's progress and a brighter future. The young All-Star sees clear improvement, even if the ultimate goal remains unmet.

"It was better than the previous season, so that’s good. But still not making the playoffs hurt," Ball stated, capturing the mixed emotions of a season that showed promise. He emphasized the forward momentum, adding, "Still, we did better than the years before, so like I said, we’re just trying to evolve."

For Ball and the Hornets' passionate fanbase, the mission for next season is already clear. The electric playmaker set a definitive target, declaring, "Hopefully next year, no Play-In." It's a statement of intent, signaling the team's ambition to secure a direct playoff berth and finally break the cycle.