The Charlotte Hornets have decided to shut down LaMelo Ball for the remainder of the season, a move not surprising given their record of 18-54. Ball has been out of action since suffering a right ankle injury during a game against the Magic days after Thanksgiving. This is the same ankle that he had surgery on towards the end of the previous season.
Prior to his injury, Ball was having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 25.9 points and 8.6 assists per game with a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.9%. However, his season-ending injury has once again raised concerns about his ability to stay healthy and play consistently.
Rumors have been circulating about Ball’s future with the Hornets, with some within the league speculating that Charlotte may explore trading him due to his injury history and large contract he is set to start next season. However, finding a suitable trade partner willing to meet Charlotte’s demands for the two-time All-Star may prove challenging.
In other news, rookie Brandon Miller has been making a name for himself this season as a key player for the Hornets. With Ball’s season officially over, it may take until next training camp for this process to fully unfold, but it will be interesting to see how Miller and Ball can complement each other on the court under a new coach.