LaMelo Ball’s ankle issues have resurfaced once again, putting the Charlotte Hornets in a tough position as they navigate another stretch without their star point guard. An MRI on Ball’s left ankle confirmed a sprain, and the team announced that he will be re-evaluated in one week. Ball has dealt with recurring ankle injuries in recent seasons, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
The Hornets, currently struggling for consistency, will have to rely on Vasilije Micic to fill the void at point guard during Ball’s absence. His impact on the team cannot be understated, as he is in the middle of a career-best scoring season while also showcasing his elite playmaking ability.
MRI Confirms LaMelo Ball’s Ankle Sprain
The Charlotte Hornets officially confirmed on Wednesday that an MRI revealed LaMelo Ball suffered a sprain in his left ankle. While the team has not provided specifics on the severity of the injury, they did announce that Ball will be re-evaluated in one week.
This means he will be out for at least the next few games, with the team planning to reassess his condition in the middle of next week. Given his injury history, the Hornets will likely proceed with caution, ensuring Ball does not return before he is fully recovered.
The Play That Led to Ball’s Latest Injury
During Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball suffered his latest setback when he inadvertently stepped on the foot of Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt. While backpedaling down the court, Ball rolled his left ankle, immediately displaying discomfort.
The Hornets went on to lose the game 112-107, adding to their struggles this season. Ball had already been wearing ankle braces on both feet as a preventative measure, but it wasn’t enough to prevent another unfortunate turn.
Ball’s Season Before the Injury
Before this latest injury, LaMelo Ball was in the midst of an outstanding season. In his fifth year in the NBA, he was averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game, marking a significant jump in his offensive production.
Alongside his scoring, Ball contributed 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals per game while logging 33.3 minutes per night over 31 appearances. His ability to generate offense both for himself and his teammates has been crucial for the Hornets, and his absence will leave a major void in their lineup.
The Hornets’ Temporary Plan Without Ball
With Ball sidelined, the Hornets are expected to rely on Vasilije Micic to take over as the team’s starting point guard. While Micic has shown flashes of strong play, he lacks the elite scoring and playmaking ability that Ball provides. The Hornets’ offense will likely see a drop in production, especially in transition and three-point shooting, where Ball has been exceptional this season.
Recurring Ankle Problems for Ball
This is far from the first time LaMelo Ball has dealt with ankle injuries. Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in only 58 total games, missing significant time due to recurring issues with both ankles.
Despite his injury setbacks, Ball has continued to put up impressive numbers. In the previous two seasons, he has averaged 23.5 points, 8.3 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 three-pointers, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 42% from the field, 37% from three, and 85% from the free-throw line in 34.1 minutes per game in that stretch.
When healthy, Ball remains one of the league’s most exciting young guards, but his durability is becoming a growing concern.
LaMelo Ball’s All-Star-Level Impact
Ball’s all-around impact is evident in his career numbers. The 2021-22 NBA All-Star has recorded 10 career triple-doubles in just 215 games, showcasing his ability to influence the game in multiple ways. His combination of elite passing, rebounding, and scoring makes him one of the most versatile guards in the NBA. However, his injury history and the Hornets’ overall struggles have prevented him from consistently leading the team to success.
Criticism Surrounding Ball and the Hornets
Despite his impressive individual statistics, LaMelo Ball has faced criticism for two key reasons: his ongoing injury issues and the Hornets’ lack of team success. While he has demonstrated the talent to be a franchise cornerstone, Charlotte has not been able to build a winning team around him. His injuries have only added to the Hornets’ struggles, preventing them from establishing continuity and chemistry.
The Hornets’ Key Supporting Players
Last season, much of the Hornets’ focus was on the return of Miles Bridges and the emergence of then-rookie Brandon Miller. Bridges’ return added a scoring punch, while Miller showed promising development, particularly in the second half of the season.
Unfortunately, Miller is now out for the remainder of the current season with a torn right wrist ligament. Ball is undoubtedly the primary engine of the team when healthy. His absence will make it even harder for the Hornets to stay competitive.
Hornets’ Future Hinges on Ball’s Health
If LaMelo Ball could stay healthy, he would likely be an NBA All-Star this season based on his current level of play. His youth and upside remain undeniable, but the repeated ankle issues create uncertainty about his long-term impact. The Hornets are committed to building around him, but without durability, it will be difficult for Ball to fulfill his potential as the franchise’s leader.
Hornets’ Betting Market Outlook
LaMelo Ball’s absence will also have implications on betting markets. His scoring and playmaking often influence game lines and prop bets, and his injury status will impact oddsmakers’ adjustments. Best betting apps in North Carolina will be closely monitoring updates on Ball’s recovery, as his return will likely shift betting odds for Hornets games..
What’s Next for LaMelo Ball and the Hornets?
As Ball remains out for at least a week, the Hornets will be cautious in determining his return. Given his history of ankle injuries, they may extend his absence beyond the initial re-evaluation period to ensure full recovery. If the Hornets hope to make any noise this season, they need Ball at full strength, and his health will be the deciding factor in their outlook for the remainder of the year.
LaMelo Ball’s latest injury setback once again puts the Hornets in a difficult position. His talent is undeniable, but his durability remains the biggest question mark surrounding his future. Charlotte must navigate yet another stretch without their star guard, hoping he can return at full strength and avoid further complications.
