Standout Hornets rookie point guard LaMelo Ball has been permitted to resume individual basketball activity after doctors discovered that his surgically-repaired right wrist has healed, according to a team press release.
Ball was the clear frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors before he fractured his right wrist on March 20 against the Clippers. He won Rookie of the Month honors in January, February and March. After his cast was removed, a CT scan by Dr. Michelle Carlson of The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City indicated that Ball’s wrist has fully healed.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN tweets that a source tells him Ball could be back on the floor for Charlotte as early as seven-to-10 days from now. Across 41 games (21 starts) for the eighth-seeded Hornets, the 19-year-old is averaging 15.9 PPG (second among rookies), plus 6.1 APG and 5.9 RPG (both first among rookies). He boasts a solid shooting line of .451/.375/.789.
If Ball can return, it would be a major salve for the Hornets, who are currently missing several key players due to various injuries. The club is 8-7 since Ball was sidelined.
I hope he’s okay, but can’t help but think this hyped up kid wants ROTY too badly. Then again that’s not always a bad thing. Wishing him luck.
By the time he comes back it will have been 5 weeks since his injury. He was originally supposed to miss only 4 weeks (which was misreported that he’d be out for the season). I don’t think he’s rushing back for the ROY
That’s good news. Not a Hornets fan, but he is a lot of fun to watch. Could be a tough matchup for a higher seed if they get healthy for the playoffs.
Well Hornets could use him to make playoffs. Still don’t see him In gm shape for 2-3wks. So he plays what last 6-8 gms. I wouldn’t chance it. No way he’s going to win ROY.
Edwards has passed Ball since the injury and should win ROY, but it’s just like last year when Ja Morant beat Zion. The runner-up is still better.
Hope he is back healthy…
Ah hell yeah
Great news to be able to enjoy the magic of this kid again… been a few years since we had such an exciting rookie PG to watch & enjoy!!!