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, the Charlotte Hornets are trading 28-year-old Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for 30-year-old Grayson Allen and 33-year-old Royce O’Neale.
The full trade details are Hornets getting O’Neale, Grayson Allen, and 2033 first-rounder (unprotected). The Suns are getting Bridges, 2029 first-rounder (least favorable), 2027 second-rounder (least favorable).
This trade sees Phoenix save $20 million in tax and opens up a roster spot for the upcoming free agency beginning on June 30th. They have acquired their newest starting power forward who can shoot.
Charlotte gets a further out valuable first-round pick, as they have been on a bit of a rebuilding mindset since trading LaMelo Ball. Beyond the pick, they add two playoff-tested players who can help the younger core of their roster.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets and Coby White have agreed to a three-year, $74 million contract for the 26-year-old to remain with the organization through the 2029 season.
With LaMelo Ball being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, White is reportedly becoming Charlotte’s newest starting point guard.
White was expected to gain interest from teams like the Detroit Pistons when free agency began, however, Hornets had a different vision for the promising guard.
After getting traded last season from the Chicago Bulls, in 21 games, White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 19.4 minutes.
Many consider the White trade a steal for Charlotte as all they had to give up was Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second round picks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by both organizations, the Charlotte Hornets have traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Naz Reid and multiple first-round draft picks.
Officially, Minnesota is trading away a 2033 first-rounder, three first-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029, 2030, and three second-round picks in 2029, 2032, 2033. In addition to acquiring the 24-year-old, Josh Green is being sent to the Timberwolves.
A couple days after trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets, this opened up space for them to move forward and make a splash this offseason to acquire the star guard.
Ball has three seasons remaining on his five-year, $203.9 million contract.
