Injury-Plagued LaMelo Ball Shut Down for the Season as Charlotte Hornets Explore Trading Possibilities

The Charlotte Hornets have decided to shut down LaMelo Ball for the rest of the season, a move not surprising given their record of 18-54. Ball has been out of action since sustaining a right ankle injury during a game against the Magic days after Thanksgiving. This is the same ankle that he had surgery on towards the end of the previous season.

Prior to his injury, Ball was having one of his best seasons in his career, averaging 25.9 points and 8.6 assists per game with a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.9%. However, his season-ending injury has raised concerns about his ability to stay healthy and play consistently.

There have been speculations within the league that the Hornets may explore trading Ball due to his injury history and large contract set to start next season. However, finding a suitable trade partner willing to meet Charlotte’s demands for the two-time All-Star may prove challenging.

Meanwhile, rookie Brandon Miller has been making a name for himself this season as a key player for the Hornets. With Ball’s season officially over, it may take until next training camp for this process to fully unfold as the team will now have an opportunity to see how Miller and Ball can complement each other on the court under new coaching guidance.