LaMelo Ball Likely Facing Extended Absence
6 months agoCharlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has sustained a significant sprain in his right ankle and is expected to miss extended time. Tests have revealed that Ball has avoided a fracture in the ankle, which required season-ending surgery late during the 2022-23 season, and The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that a cautious approach is likely. Ball just can't catch a break when it comes to ankle issues, which held him to just 36 games a year ago. The 5-10 Hornets are going to sorely miss Ball's elite playmaking for however long he needs to be sidelined. The 22-year-old All-Star was offering third-round fantasy figures this year, piling up 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.5 threes, and 1.4 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. More ball-handling responsibilities will be put on the plates of Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges, while it's set to be wheels up in fantasy for No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, who should be rostered in all leagues for the time being.
Source: Shams Charania - The Athletic
Source: Shams Charania - The Athletic