KEY POINTS

  • The Hornets will likely have to finish the current NBA season without LaMelo Ball
  • Ball is unlikely to be the same even if he gets clearance to play
  • Hornets coach will need to utilize Hayward, Graham, and the rest to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference

LaMelo Ball has undoubtedly been having a good first year in the NBA, but it appears that run will soon come to an end.

The 19-year-old suffered a fractured bone in his right wrist and will be further evaluated. But regardless of that, it appears his 2020-21 NBA season is done.

Through its official Twitter account, the Charlotte Hornet bared the unfortunate update. Ball becomes the latest Hornets player to be added to the injury list. Already out due to injuries are Terry Rozier with a hip contusion and Cody Zeller with shoulder bursitis.

Ball suffered the injury on Saturday when the Hornets played the Los Angeles Clippers. The rookie still tried to play with his left hand, but his performance was visibly not the same.

This could serve as a big blow to the Hornets who are at the eighth spot of the NBA Eastern Conference.

While seeing him back on the floor is not looking bright, hope floats over the horizon. The 6-foot-7 guard plans to have second opinions on his wrist injury although questions are in the air on whether he can still perform at the same level he has been this NBA season.

In 41 games, Ball has averaged 15.9 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds in 28.6 minutes of action. He has been a revelation for head coach James Borrego who will now have to find someone else on the roster to step up if Charlotte seeks to maintain its hold in the Eastern Conference.

One player who may need to take on that role is Gordon Hayward. After an erratic time with the Boston Celtics, the 30-year-old has proven detractors wrong.

In 37 games, Hayward has normed 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 34.4 minutes of action. But if the Hornets want to remain up there, more help is needed.

Devonte Graham is another player that Borrego will count on, someone likely to get heavy minutes with the Hornets backcourt severely decimated.

Miles Bridges, Bismack Biyombo and PJ Washington will also have to step up if the Hornets want to maintain their sting.

Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on as LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets
Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on as LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets Getty Images | Hannah Foslien
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