Hornets’ Ball: What You Need to Know About Season-End Procedures and Impacts

LaMelo Ball, the star player for the Charlotte Hornets, will miss the rest of the season. He needs two minor surgeries to fix issues with his right ankle and wrist. The team announced this news on Friday.

Ball will have arthroscopic surgery for an ankle impingement and a separate procedure for his wrist. Recently, he played through pain, but after discussions with doctors, both team and outside experts agreed on the need for these surgeries. They believe that taking care of these problems now will help Ball recover fully and be ready for next season.

At just 23 years old, Ball has faced repeated ankle injuries. He missed at least 25 games in each of the previous three seasons. This year, he played 47 games and averaged an impressive 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. He set a franchise record with six games scoring at least 25 points and 10 assists. Despite the challenges, Ball stands out as the first player in Hornets history to average over 25 points and seven assists in a season, reflecting his significant impact on the court.

In terms of team performance, the Hornets have struggled this season, currently holding a record of 18-54, which ranks among the worst in the league. However, they have been busy preparing for the future, gathering valuable draft picks. Since October, Charlotte has acquired six draft picks and retains all of its future first-round selections. They have a total of 11 first-round and 13 second-round picks, positioning them well for upcoming seasons.

This situation is reminiscent of last year when the team also had to shut down Ball in late March due to ongoing ankle issues. The focus on recovery could benefit his performance in the long term, allowing him to return strong next season.

Fan reactions have varied on social media, with many expressing concern for Ball’s health is but also excitement about the team’s future potential with their draft picks. As the Hornets look to rebuild, they hope that a healthier roster, including talents like Ball, Brandon Miller, and others, will lead to better results in the coming years.

For more details on LaMelo Ball’s surgeries and recovery, you can check out ESPN’s coverage on the matter.



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