{"id":71041,"date":"2024-03-29T06:19:17","date_gmt":"2024-03-29T10:19:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=71041"},"modified":"2024-04-06T22:33:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-07T02:33:20","slug":"hornets-steve-clifford-unexpected-reaction-lamelo-ball-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/29\/hornets-steve-clifford-unexpected-reaction-lamelo-ball-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Hornets Head Coach Has Unexpected Reaction to Star\u2019s Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite a valiant effort to return to the court before the end of the season, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball<\/a> was ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season as he continues to recover<\/a> from an ankle injury. With 10 games remaining on the schedule, he and the Hornets will turn their attention to a pivotal offseason. Charlotte has two new lead executives<\/a> and a major decision to make with their projected top-five pick<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, Ball\u2019s constant absences have been a blow to the Hornets. The franchise has had a poor reputation for years but the combination of Ball and 2023 No. 2 pick Brandon Miller<\/a> feels like the start of a successful era in Charlotte. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they only saw Ball in action for 22 games this season. He and Miller were both active in just 18 of those contests, going 7-11.<\/p>\n

Hornets Head Coach Has Unexpected Reaction to LaMelo Ball Injury<\/h2>\n

Individually, Ball continued to create highlights.<\/p>\n

Averaging a career- and team-high 23.9 points per game this season, his blend of ball-handling, creativity, acrobatics, and shooting range is among the best in the league. He also leads the Hornets with 8.0 assists per game. A rare passer in any era, Ball\u2019s assist numbers may reach the realm of Trae Young<\/a> or Tyrese Haliburton<\/a> with Terry Rozier<\/a> being traded.<\/p>\n