Once again, point guard LaMelo Ball struggled to stay on the floor this season due to injuries. Hornets head coach Charles Lee believes there’s one way Ball can improve upon his availability, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press.
“He’s got to get stronger,” Lee said.
Ball, who only suited up in 47 games this season, doesn’t run away from that notion.
“I definitely agree,” Ball said. “Just being in the weight room, and everything they’re saying.”
Ball, who has four years remaining on his maximum-salary rookie extension, underwent surgeries on his right wrist and right ankle but should be ready to go in training camp.
“LaMelo is an incredible competitor, and he knows that in order for us to have the best chance to win and get to where we want to go, he has to be on the floor,” president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said. “We’re providing every resource, and again, he’s putting the time in and taking ownership in it. We’re happy the season is over in that regard and he’s able to ramp up and have a healthy start to the season next year.”
We have more on the Hornets:
- Jusuf Nurkic, who has one year remaining on his contract, wants to stay with the Hornets. “Hopefully, it’s a two-way street and the organization feels the same way, but so far so good,” Nurkic told Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “Hopefully, we can build something special for years to come.” Nurkic was acquired from Phoenix in a midseason deal.
- As for Mark Williams, who was headed to the Lakers until he failed their physical, he isn’t sure what plans the franchise has for him. “Obviously, be prepared for whatever,” the big man said, according to Boone. “Obviously, this is where I’ve been since the start of my career. At the same time I’ve learned it’s a business, being traded and then coming back for reasons above me. So, yeah, I think it’s definitely understanding the balance of it being a business and enjoying your teammates and people you’ve made great connections with.”
- Peterson isn’t looking for any quick-fix solutions this offseason to make the team a contender, Boone relays. “I will double down on how we’re not going to expedite anything,” Peterson said. “We’re not going to skip steps. I think there’s plenty of examples that we’ve seen around the league and in other sports that when you try to skip steps and go too fast, that’s when big mistakes end up happening and ones that make it really, really hard to crawl out of that hole. We’re going to be patient, diligent, opportunistic, very strategic in terms of how we build it.”
- A torn ligament in his right wrist short-circuited Brandon Miller‘s sophomore season, Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer writes. The big question surrounding Miller, who only appeared in 27 games, is when will he return? He’s multiple months away from returning to the court but the second pick of the 2023 draft should be a full go for training camp.
- Miles Bridges said that one of Lee’s strengths is his willingness to take input from the players, according to Boone. “Yeah, before he makes big decisions he asks me or Melo or Brandon, asks one of us how we feel about it,” Bridges said. “He loves having our input on stuff. So, yeah, he’s for sure a player’s coach.”
Shiiii… LaMelo Ball has been IN the weight room.
Socializing.
You gotta hit the weights while you’re in there.
Non of these NBA players lift weights. Maybe LeBron and I’m not a LeBron fan at all
Another busted Ball. Shocker
I would do a sign and trade with this years pick.
Trade Miles Bridges and Josh Green to Washington for Middleton and Bey with a 2nd
Trade Salaun, Nick Smith Jr and this years 1st to Brooklyn for Cam Thomas.
Resign Seth Curry and Taj Gibson.
Waive Middleton and Nurkic.
Promote KJ Simpson and sign Garrett Temple
Two way guys can be figured out
Easy
Trade Middleton and Nurkic to Brooklyn if needed, throwing in some picks and try bringing back Cam Thomas and Watford or Wilson too
If hornets were smart they’d trade lamelo. He’s not a star you build around. Hope to land Flagg or rebuild for the 80th year in a row
If I were Charlotte I would be shopping Ball. Especially if they land Harper.
Nurkic knows he’s out of the league in the next couple of years.
He hopes Charlotte hangs onto him instead of wanting to play for a championship on a championship team?
The Reason is that He knows that if a team struggling doesn’t want him it’s curtains. It’s over. A couple of years in Europe then it’s time for family man.
The 1st thing I think if with Nurkic is him trying to clown Kobe during Nurkic’s rookie season. Like how arrogant
Now Draymond smacked him
Not really a LaMelo fan. Not a winner. Seems all about his brand. That’s the wrong culture for team building. Saying that, he’s a better talent than I thought he’d be. Hornets have a big pick coming in this draft. There is good young talent on this team.
Drafting a player you have to wait 3-4 yrs to show. Might not be best course of action.
I just don’t get this team. They never seem to see anything thru. Queen is a solid pick to pair with Williams. It may be too high tor Queen. And who knows what they will do with Williams. Adding another 19 yr old. Could mean not seeing a return for 4-5 yrs. Where does this put them ?? In the lottery again next year ……
Well said Al. Seems like an endless circle of lottery, hopes, injuries, tanking, back to lottery.