The Charlotte Hornets are 2-2 to begin the year, and a big part of that is LaMelo Ball. Ball has led the team in points and rebounds in three of the four games played. Additionally, he has led the team in assists in all four games this season. Needless to say, Ball’s success is directly correlated to the team’s success.
On Tuesday, the Hornets took on the Heat, a game that ended in a blowout loss for Charlotte. Ball scored 20 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and collected nine assists in the loss. However, he let his emotions get the best of him late in the fourth quarter. After being called for an offensive foul, Ball put his middle finger up towards the ref. He was given a technical foul for the play, but there are more repercussions coming.
The NBA has announced the punishment for the obscene gesture. Per Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Ball has been fined $35,000 for his actions.
Not LaMelo Ball’s First Punishment
GettyLaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 for his actions, but it is not his first fine.
Ball is the best player on the Hornets; there is no questioning that. He is a threat to put up a triple-double on any given night. This year, the 24-year-old is averaging 26.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. He is also shooting 44.7% from the floor and 39.5% from three-point range. If those shooting percentages stay consistent all year, they will be career highs.
Although Ball is very talented on the court, he sometimes has a lapse in judgment — as seen Tuesday night. In 2024, Ball used a derogatory term in an interview, costing him $100,000. The sixth-year guard was apologetic after that incident. However, he has not made a statement regarding what happened Tuesday night yet.
Still, Ball needs to be better with his judgment, especially with how much he means to the Hornets.
Hornets Need Ball On the Court
GettyBrandon Miller is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Ball is the most important player on the court for Charlotte. Last season, the Hornets were 16-31 with Ball on the court. That is not a great record, but the team was 3-32 when he was not on the court. Having him active gives Charlotte the best chance to win games.
The Hornets will need Ball extra in the coming weeks. Brandon Miller injured his shoulder in the October 25th game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is currently getting a second opinion, but Miller will be out for the time being.
Now, the Hornets have other players to support Ball. Kon Knueppel has been on fire from three-point range. He is shooting 53.3% from beyond the arc and making 4.0 threes per game. Miles Bridges has been playing good basketball, as well. He is averaging 18.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Those two players are not enough for the Hornets to be competitive in the Eastern Conference, though. Charlotte needs their third overall pick from 2020 to be on the court if they are going to turn the franchise into a winning organization.
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