LaMelo Ball injury update: Charlotte Hornets star set to remain out with fractured ankle
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball left the game against the Detroit Pistons after an awkward fall. With reports suggesting that Ball has fractured his ankle, the guard is expected to miss a significant amount of time yet again.
LaMelo Ball is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. After earning his first All-Star selection last season, Ball continued to impress. Unfortunately, this season has been less than favorable for the Hornets star. Much like his brother, Lonzo Ball, LaMelo is developing a bit of a reputation as an injury-prone player.
After sustaining a shoulder injury in the preseason, LaMelo Ball missed the first 13 games of the season. His return from injury was shortlived, as he sustained an ankle injury just three games later.
After missing 11 more games, Ball returned and made an impact, racking up some impressive numbers. Unfortunately, he finds himself back on injury reports after Monday night's game.
The Hornets guard sustained the injury in a rather odd manner. While being guarded by Pistons guard Killian Hayes, Ball created some space with a smooth dribble. However, in the process of resetting his stance, the guard appeared to have placed too much weight on his right ankle.
He instantly went to the floor and was seen grabbing his ankle and walked off the floor. Reports have confirmed that Ball fractured his ankle.
BREAKING: LaMelo Ball has suffered a fracture in his right ankle, the Hornets have announced via @JerryDonatien.
Here's the play where Ball suffered the fracture:
https://t.co/0uzRlZTWFh
Ball's departure in the third-quarter did little to stop Charlotte's momentum, as they notched up their fifth consecutive win. However, depending on the status of Ball's injury and his timeline for return, the Hornets could be concerned.
LaMelo Ball's timeline for return is unknown
The Charlotte Hornets will be worried about LaMelo Ball's injury. However, there isn't a set timeline for his return just yet.
Coach Steve Clifford said regarding the injury:
"It’s just a basketball ankle, and there is nothing that you can do about that."
Ball's ankle has been dodgy this season. As a tall point guard with a very shifty style of play, he consistently changes directions and stopping on a dime. The impact an injury of this nature could have on his game is substantial in most cases.
Considering the impact he has had on the team, the Hornets will be in a relatively weaker position without their star. However, there may not be much to be concerned about for the rest of the season.
At 20-43, Charlotte are one of the worst teams in the East. Well out of reach of a playoff spot, the Hornets may be better served by letting Ball sit out the rest of the season and recover.
LaMelo Ball has averaged 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists this season. With the talent on the brink of a contract extension, Charlotte will need to play their cards right if they intend to build for the future.
Read: LaVar Ball gives LaMelo Ball's NBA career a grade of C: "The only way to get an A would be to be with all his brothers"