Basketball is a motif throughout Hello Beautiful that represents William’s feeling of connection and purpose. It is also his safe haven. When William is young, basketball becomes his passion and an outlet for his emotions because it allows him to express himself and belong. While William is not a star athlete, his love of the game leads him to study it and become a thoughtful and strategic player as well as a supportive teammate. As William grows older, basketball becomes the pillar of his identity, especially as he struggles with depression and memories from his difficult childhood.

Basketball also represents the limitations and boundaries William faces. His knee injuries make it impossible for him to continue playing, and he must face the loss of the only thing that gave him an identity. After William is hospitalized, he discovers he still finds joy in talking about basketball and eventually realizes, with his friends’ help, that he can have a fulfilling career in basketball even if he can no longer play.

The motif of basketball in Hello Beautiful highlights the importance of finding a sense of purpose and self-expression in life and the need to adapt and grow to continue to pursue one's dreams.