Charlotte Hornets level guard LaMelo Ball will miss the rest of the common season as a result of points along with his proper ankle and wrist.
Ball will bear minor procedures to assist deal with each points. There might be an arthroscopic surgical procedure executed for his proper ankle impingement.
The 23-year-old celebrity has not performed a minimum of 50 video games for the reason that 2021-22 season. He performed simply 36 video games in ’22-23, 22 video games in ’23-24, and now finishes ’24-25 with 47 video games performed.
He finishes this season with averages of 25.2 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. Regardless of making an attempt 11.2 three-pointers per recreation, he solely shot 33.9 p.c from deep. Ball is the primary participant in franchise historical past to common a minimum of 25 factors and 7 assists for a season.
Charlotte is deep in competitors for the underside of the standings with an 18-54 report. Solely the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards are worse.
Ball Ankle Points Increase Concern About Hornets’ Lengthy-Time period
Will there ever be a degree when Charlotte can depend on Ball to be wholesome? Ball persevering with to cope with ankle points must be a real concern for the Hornets transferring ahead.
There’s a strong core in place alongside Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, however even each these gamers have had their share of damage woes.
What’s scary is that the Hornets have already dedicated to a major extension with Ball, a five-year deal value $204M. It’s assured cash by means of the 2028-29 season and with this season down the drain, there’s 4 extra left to realize worth.
This can be a franchise that hasn’t seen the playoffs for the reason that 2015-16 season when Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson had been main the staff. This yr will make it 9 straight seasons and not using a postseason look.
On account of Ball’s taking part in type, it’s additionally extraordinarily troublesome to judge if Ball is genuinely able to main a successful staff or if he’s placing up some empty energy on a nasty staff.
He takes questionable photographs, will get uncovered defensively regularly, and has but to showcase any stage of dedication to mixing his daring type with self-discipline.
