The Charlotte Hornets are dealing with some injuries this season. Brandon Miller has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the second game of the year, and LaMelo Ball has another ankle injury.
Ball’s ankle injury held him out of the last four games. The good news is the All-Star guard is close to making his return to the court. Per the Hornets PR X account, Ball has been assigned to the G League to start his ramp-up process.
Not LaMelo Ball’s First Ankle Injury
GettyLaMelo Ball could make his return soon.
Ball is one of the best point guards in the NBA when he is healthy. This year, the 24-year-old is averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. When he plays, the Hornets are overall a better team. However, he has played 47, 22, and 36 games in each of the last three seasons.
Ball’s first ankle injury occurred in October of 2022 when he sprained his left ankle. He sprained his left ankle three times that year. His right ankle ailments began in February of 2023 when he suffered a fracture on a non-contact play. The guard injured that same ankle in November of the same year, and it continued to bother him the whole season.
His injury history is a reason for concern moving forward, especially when it may come to his future with the Hornets. Charlotte will have to decide if his durability is a big enough issue to force them to move on from their former first-round pick.
Ball is set to make $37.9 million this year, and over $40 million for the last three years of his contract. When healthy, it is easy to see why he makes that much money. However, his injury history can make it hard to justify his contract.
Nonetheless, if all goes well, the Hornets will be getting their star point guard back fairly soon.
Mason Plumlee is Also Making His Way Back
GettyMason Plumlee will practice with the Greensboro Swarm, as well.
The other player mentioned is Mason Plumlee. Plumlee is in his first year with the Hornets, but his first since the 2022/23 season. He is not injured, but the 7-foot center has not gotten much playing time. Plumlee has not seen game action since November 2nd.
Plumlee has appeared in just three games, and he has not played more than five minutes in any of them. The Hornets have run with a smaller lineup, but things could be due for a change. With Plumlee’s assignment to the Greensboro Swarm for practice, Charlotte could be gearing up to give him more minutes.
Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate have been the two main big men on the team. Tidjane Salaun has been in the G League for a few games now, but he can also slot into a big man position. Plumlee’s veteran presence is an asset, but he is also a valuable post player.
Getting Ball back is huge news for the Hornets, but Plumlee could see an increase in playing time, as well.
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