Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball has a Grade 2 ankle sprain and will miss some games early in the regular season, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets.
Ball underwent an MRI that confirmed the initial diagnosis of a left ankle sprain, which he suffered during Monday’s preseason game, the team’s PR department tweets. His return to full basketball activities will be determined by his response to rehab and treatment.
According to InStreetClothes.com’s Jeff Stotts (Twitter link), some other notable guards such as Mike Conley, Ja Morant, and Trae Young have suffered similar sprains in recent seasons. The average time lost is seven games or 19 days.
There’s a measure of relief in the Charlotte organization that the injury wasn’t more severe, Charania adds in another tweet. The injury occurred during the third quarter against Washington when his foot was stepped on by the Wizards’ Anthony Gill as Ball was driving the lane.
With Ball sidelined, James Bouknight, Dennis Smith Jr. and Cody Martin could see additional backcourt minutes.
Kemba
Exactly Kemba Walker!!!
I’ve already predicted the Charlotte Hornets to be the worst team in the East this season.
No Miles Bridges no LaMelo Ball it’s going to get very bad.
Detroit Pistons need to buy Kemba Walker out and let him sign with the Charlotte Hornets.
Apparently they just need to agree on the terms, but it’s basically a foregone conclusion.
Can Matt Rhule play guard?
Honestly not a total loss for Charlotte. I think they’re reluctant to throw this year away and this might have forced their hand. At the very least it’ll make them consider positioning themselves well for a lottery spot. When Wemby and Scoot are the prize, they can’t afford to not put their name in that hat.
If you’re not gonna win the title, go win the lottery.
I don’t disagree with you philosophically. Just don’t want a Ball to miss too much time because he needs to develop a lot more. So he needs the games under his belt.