While the Hornets are fortunate to have their star player avoiding a serious injury, he will be missing some time which is not ideal. Per the MRI, the Hornets have revealed LaMelo Ball to be out for 1-2 weeks with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain.
If the injury only keeps him out for a week, then Ball will most likely miss four games of the season. If he misses another week (to bring it to two weeks out), then Ball will most likely miss eight games of the opening season.
Per the team, Ball’s return to full basketball activities will be determined by how he responds to rehab and treatment. The 1-2 weeks is a real timeline, but things are subject to change – for the better or for the worst.
Per Hornet’s head coach Steve Clifford, Mason Plumlee (foot) is also dealing with an injury. No timetable given for his return, ruled out for Wednesday’s preseason game against the 76ers. Also, per Clifford, Terry Rozier will start in place of LaMelo Ball if he’s not a go for opening night.
His road to recovery begins now and there is a slight possibility of him playing on October 19th, which is what everyone is holding their breath on.
HEADS UP… Check this out:
I said some outcomes Ball and his team can face with this new injury; plus, I kind of predicted how long he was going to be out for. Check out the podcast episode here:
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, the Charlotte Hornets traded Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks for Malaki Branham. With this trade, Charlotte opens up a $7 million trade exception for themselves.
Jones was previously traded by the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, but was then later traded to a different the following day.
For Dallas, they’ve had interest in Jones since the beginning of last offseason. Now, they get their point guard and help fill that major need at that position.
In 48 games this season, Jones is averaging 3.0 points and 2.4 assists in 15.7 minutes.
In 28 games this season, Branham is averaging 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 9.8 minutes.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls have traded Coby White to Charlotte Hornets for Collin Sexton.
The full trade terms see the Bulls get Sexton and three second round picks, and the Hornets get White and Mike Conley Jr.; however, Conley Jr. may become a buyout candidate.
If he were to become a buyout candidate, reportedly, he would go back to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Leading to the deadline, White was considered a strong trade candidate due to his expiring contract. This season, the 25-year-old is averaging 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 29 games. For White, this will be his second team in his entire career.
Multiple reports have stated Chicago is not done trading yet, as they are only getting started.
Brandon Miller, who has been out since January, is almost 100% back from his season-ending wrist surgery. This is significant news for the Charlotte Hornets, who visibly missed his contributions on the court.
In his season season with the organization, Miller took the next step in his professional basketball career by posting 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
According to the man himself, he is about “90-95%” healthy. Reports are speculating that he will be ready for the start of preseason.
“It’s probably around 90-95% now,” said Miller. “I started contact (drills). I’ll be ready the first day the season starts and I’m just excited to get back out on the court with my guys.”
“Recently,” said Miller. “When I started shooting and it doesn’t hurt? Yeah, recently. It’s all part of the process. Not everything’s going to be a smooth route. You’re going to have ups and downs, a lot of bumps and curves.”
