Hornets: LaMelo Ball could return before end of season
By John Buhler
We may not have seen the last of LaMelo Ball in his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball underwent right wrist surgery on Tuesday, but he may not be completely ruled out for a 2021 return at the tail-end of his rookie season just yet.
Stadium’s and The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Ball’s fractured right wrist will be re-evaluated in four weeks. While a late March injury would normally end a player’s season on a non-playoff team, keep in mind that the 2020-21 NBA regular season extends deeper into the summer than in any other year. In short, Ball may return to the hardwood for at least a few games in 2021.
Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball underwent surgery on his fractured right wrist and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, leaving possibility for return this season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 23, 2021
A LaMelo Ball return in late April could keep the Hornets in the playoff race
Tuesday, April 20 will be the day that Ball’s wrist will be re-evaluated. At that point of the season, Charlotte will have 16 regular-season games left to be played. Because the Hornets are in the mix to contend for an Eastern Conference playoff spot, you better believe there will be a push to get their most exciting player back onto the court. He was the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year.
Through 41 games, Ball was averaging 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists in his rookie season. The former No. 3 overall pick has made the Hornets an interesting watch for the last two and a half months. He gives an otherwise boring Hornets franchise something to get excited about. Here is to him having a speedy recovery and being able to return to the floor this season.
Even if the Hornets fade in the next four weeks, Ball should be able to come back to end the year.