Illawarra Hawks guard LaMelo Ball will miss the next four weeks with a foot injury according to ESPN. LaMelo Ball was averaging 17 points,7.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in the NBL before the injury. The potential lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft impressed scouts for the duration of the season with his skillset, attitude, and play at the professional level.
LaMelo Ball to Miss Time
Extent of the Injury
Ball suffered a foot injury during training. After seeking advice from an Australian foot specialist; however, the doctor recommended him to rest the foot according to DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony. The injury will keep the star 18-year-old out of action until January.
Ball will rehab his injury in Australia. The Hawks will close out the regular season in mid-February where they expect Ball to make a full recovery.
Big Impact on His Draft Stock
Ball’s mid-February target recovery date leaves him with fewer games to showcase his talent and skills in Australia. The NBL season only runs until mid-February excluding the playoffs. The Illawarra Hawks are currently out of the playoff picture and the absence of Ball will not help. It is unlikely the Hawks will make the playoffs which will only give Ball a handful of games after recovery to show his talents again.
NBA scouts will hope to scout LaMelo Ball again come 2020 as he continues his rehab in Australia. Possible suitors who might be interested in the services of LaMelo Ball come the 2020 NBA Draft include the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and the New York Knicks. It was reported that Warriors general manager, Bob Myers, flew to Australia to scout the talent. As NBA offseason nears, teams will want Ball’s medical records to make sure this foot injury is not a lingering one.
LaMelo Ball is known to be the youngest brother of New Orleans Pelicans’ point guard Lonzo Ball. He has great handles and a smooth shooting stroke for his size. His height will continue to grow more than his 6’6” frame right now which teams will love with Ball.
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