Hornets guard LaMelo Ball set to miss the rest of the season
The Charlotte Hornets suffered a significant blow when star point guard LaMelo Ball sustained a season-ending right ankle injury.
The 22-year-old hasn’t played since Jan. 27, finishing with 22 appearances where he averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor and 35.5 percent from deep.
Over the last two seasons, Ball has struggled to stay on the court behind 58 games played. He’s dealt with ankle issues in each of the last three years, which should draw concern from the Hornets.
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When healthy, his all-around play has proven him to be one of the league’s most dynamic point guards. However, he’s become an injury-prone player that the Hornets have struggled to build around.
Next season, he’s set to begin his five-year $204.4 million designated rookie extension that runs through the 2028-29 season. The Hornets are hoping that he can bounce back from his last two injury-plagued campaigns.
The Hornets have the league’s worst record at 18-55 and are 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. The organization will have the opportunity to snag a promising talent in this year’s draft.
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Charlotte hopes to build its core group with young talent. Brandon Miller, the second overall pick from last year’s draft, is putting together a solid rookie campaign.
Miller has averaged 16.9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 66 games played, shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 37.1 percent from 3-point range.
The Hornets need Ball to lead the charge to finally push the franchise toward playoff contention.
