The Charlotte Hornets shared some disappointing news on Friday: LaMelo Ball won’t be returning to the court for the rest of the season. Instead, he’s going under the knife to address ongoing issues with his right ankle and wrist.
A recent announcement on Twitter made it official: Ball is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle due to an impingement. Alongside this, he’s scheduled for a minor procedure on his right wrist. With the team currently not in contention and Ball’s health a priority, sitting him out for the season is their best option.
Throughout the past weeks, Ball has been playing through discomfort, a brave effort considering his history with these injuries—right ankle surgery in 2023 and a wrist operation in 2021. However, given the Hornets’ current situation—holding the third-worst record in the league with an 18-54 standing—it’s strategic to focus on future prospects. Teams with the three worst records each have a solid 14% chance at that coveted No. 1 draft pick. A slip to the fourth-worst position reduces those odds to 12.5%, along with the risk of dropping further in the lottery order.
This season, Ball showcased his talent by averaging 25.2 points and 7.4 assists across 47 games. Fans rallied to see him in the All-Star lineup; despite leading in fan votes for Eastern Conference guards, the player’s and media votes plus coach selections didn’t swing his way.
At 23, Ball is an integral part of Charlotte’s youthful roster, sharing the court with Brandon Miller, Mark Edwards, and possibly Miles Bridges. Yet, they haven’t converted this potential into consistent wins, indicating the need for a more commanding presence on the team.
Rumors have circulated about the Hornets contemplating a trade for Ball this summer, but the feasibility remains uncertain. His current contract, valued at $168.6 million over the next four years, coupled with his injury track record, limits interest. Plus, despite his undeniable talent, league insiders often regard him as a player who elevates a team’s floor rather than a cornerstone for a championship contender. His defensive shortcomings and the perception of his stats as “empty calories” haven’t helped counter that view.
Looking ahead, Ball is expected to be back to full strength, ready to hit the training ground offseason, and be raring to go come training camp in the fall. The big question looming is who will line up alongside him in Charlotte next season.
