The Charlotte Hornets announced that LaMelo Ball will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and a minor procedure on his right wrist. As a result, the fifth-year guard will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
The team expects Ball to make a full recovery and return to full basketball activities within four to six weeks, allowing him to complete a full offseason regimen.
LaMelo Ball’s 2024-25 Season in Review
Before his injury, Ball was having a stellar season, showcasing his elite scoring, playmaking, and clutch performances.
📊 2024-25 Season Stats (47 Games):
🔹 25.2 PPG
🔹 4.9 RPG
🔹 7.4 APG
🔹 1.1 SPG
Ball was one of just 10 players in the NBA this season to average at least 25 points and 5 assists per game. He also led the NBA in fourth-quarter scoring, averaging an impressive 7.8 points in the final frame.
One of his most iconic performances of the season came on November 23rd against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he erupted for a career-high 50 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and five 3-pointers—becoming just the ninth player in NBA history to record 50-5-10 with five threes in a single game.
LaMelo’s Growing Legacy in Charlotte
Despite his injuries in recent seasons, Ball has already established himself as one of the best players in Hornets history.
🏀 Career Stats (231 Games):
✔ 21.0 PPG
✔ 6.0 RPG
✔ 7.4 APG
✔ 1.5 SPG
🏆 Accolades:
✅ 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year
✅ 2021-22 NBA All-Star
✅ Franchise leader in triple-doubles (10)
✅ 5th in franchise history in 3-pointers (705) and assists (1,710)
At just 23 years old, Ball is already one of the most dynamic point guards in the league and remains the face of the Hornets franchise.
What This Means for the Hornets
With LaMelo sidelined, Charlotte will now rely on:
✔ Brandon Miller
✔ Miles Bridges
✔ Mark Williams
✔ Terry Rozier (if healthy)
The Hornets are currently outside the playoff picture, and with Ball’s season over, they might shift their focus to the 2025 NBA Draft.
The biggest question now is whether Charlotte can build a competitive roster around Ball moving forward or if they will remain in rebuilding mode.
Looking Ahead to 2025-26
The good news is that Ball’s recovery timeline should allow him to have a full offseason of training and preparation for the 2025-26 season.
A healthy LaMelo Ball will be crucial if the Hornets want to take the next step as a franchise and compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
What do you think—can the Hornets build a contender around LaMelo, or will they stay stuck in mediocrity? 🤔
