Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is expected to miss the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season due to a fractured right ankle. The injury occurred during the team's game against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, February 27th.
Ball was injured in the third quarter of the game after landing awkwardly on his right ankle while attempting a crossover dribble. The injury didn't involve contact with another player, but it was severe enough to force him out of the game. After the game, X-rays revealed the fracture, and the Hornets announced that Ball would miss the remainder of the regular season.
This is a significant blow for the Hornets, who had already lost Ball for 24 games earlier this season due to a left ankle sprain. In total, Ball played in just 36 of Charlotte's 63 games this season. He was averaging 23.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game, all career-highs, and had emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young stars.
Ball's injury is particularly concerning given his history of ankle injuries. He missed significant time during his rookie season due to a fractured wrist and a right ankle sprain. This season, he sprained his left ankle three times, which limited his availability and production.
For the Hornets, Ball's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. The team had won four straight games and had begun to find some momentum. With Ball out for the season, the team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void.
One player who will be looked upon to take on a bigger role is Terry Rozier. Rozier has been a key contributor for the Hornets this season, averaging 18.5 points per game while shooting 43.3% from beyond the arc. He's a talented scorer who can create his own shot, and he'll need to continue to do that if the Hornets hope to make any noise in the Eastern Conference.
Another player who will be expected to step up is Miles Bridges. Bridges has been dealing with off-court issues this season, but he's been one of the Hornets' best players when he's been on the court. He's averaging 20.7 points per game, and his athleticism and ability to get to the rim will be crucial without Ball in the lineup.
The Hornets will also need to get more from their young players, such as James Bouknight and Kai Jones. Bouknight, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but he's still finding his footing in the league. Jones, the 19th overall pick, has played sparingly this season but will now be thrust into a bigger role.
Despite Ball's injury, the Hornets still have a chance to make the playoffs. They're currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, but they're only four games out of the final playoff spot. It won't be easy, but if Rozier, Bridges, and the rest of the team can step up, they could make a push for the postseason.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will need to make a decision about Ball's future with the team. He's eligible for a contract extension this summer, and given his talent and potential, the Hornets will likely want to lock him up long-term. However, his injury history is a concern, and the team will need to weigh the risks and rewards before making a decision.