LaMelo Ball has been a bright spot amid a difficult start to the 2023-24 season for the Charlotte Hornets. Unfortunately for both the team and the player, Ball won’t be able to suit up for an undetermined period of time, as Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Ball suffered a “serious” ankle sprain that is going to keep him on the sideline.
Charania noted that there is some good news, as Ball did not suffer any sort of fracture in the ankle. But because this was the ankle that limited him to 36 games last season, the team apparently plans on slow playing this, and he’s currently using both a walking boot and crutches.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has suffered a serious sprain in his right ankle and is likely to miss extended time, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Tests show Ball avoided a fracture in the ankle, which required surgery last season, and a cautious approach is expected. pic.twitter.com/kciSB72aw9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2023
Ball, who is currently in a walking boot and crutches, has had a fabulous start to the season: 24.7 points, 8.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. He’s scored 30 points or more in seven of the last 10 games. https://t.co/fJQsclDNcJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 28, 2023
The report was confirmed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who said the expectation is that Ball will miss “multiple weeks.” Ball suffered the injury during the second quarter of Sunday’s 130-117 loss to the Orlando Magic — he went up for a layup and got challenged by Paolo Banchero, and was in some very obvious pain as he made his way into the locker room.
LaMelo Ball went to the locker room after an apparent injury pic.twitter.com/8wRXewACHZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 27, 2023
Ball suffered a right ankle fracture last February, which prematurely ended his season. He’s played some of the best basketball of his career since returning this year, as he’s averaging 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 33.4 minutes per game.