More bad news in North Carolina. Definitely, the fate is hounding the Hornets: between trouble with the law, off-field dramas and serial injuries, the Hornets are having a complicated start to the season. Last cata dated this night with LaMelo Ball who is injured in the ankle…
If the Hornets did not seem promised great ambitions before the start of the season, they certainly did not expect so many setbacks. It started with LaMelo Ball, victim of a severe ankle sprain that caused him to miss the first 13 regular games. If Terry Rozier quickly took the place of the young son Ball in the lead, Scary Terry quickly saw himself constrained and forced to join his teammate… in the infirmary. Also victim of an ankle injury, T-Ro gave way to … Dennis Smith Jr.
Since ? Rozier has recovered and is now playing in top form, but LaMelo hasn’t had the same luck. Back last Saturday once morest the Heat, the young North Carolina star did not sparkle. Awkward to shoot, Ball seemed to need a little time to get back up and running: in two games, the Big Guard posted a 5/24 from afar. After the two trips to Florida, Miami then Orlando, the Hornets returned yesterday to Charlotte for the reception of the Pacers. And what was the joy for the fans of the hornets to see their leader regain color and flourish 100% on the ground… But this happiness was short-lived: one minute and a half from the end, even though Indiana had just inflicted on the Hornets a run relegating Charlotte to nine points, LaMelo throws himself to save a ball and there, it is the drama:
The very bad news of the evening: LaMelo Ball probably re-injured his ankle.
He had just made his return, he immediately joined the locker room following a bad action at the end of the match.
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— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) November 17, 2022
The point guard’s ankle did turn, and the Hornets’ public relations account was quick to mention a sprained left ankle for Lonzo’s younger brother. The same left ankle that caused him to miss the first three weeks of regular. All the more infuriating that LaMelo seemed at best in this match, which he will leave with 26 points, 6 assists and 2 interceptions, all at 10/17 shooting and 5/8 at long distance. We are still waiting to learn more regarding the severity of the injury, and in particular to have an estimate of the probable return date of LaMelo. Steve Clifford is also waiting for news from his creator:
“I hope it’s not serious. We won’t have the results until Thursday.”
The ROY 2021 was however coming out of a magnificent sophomore season, both from a statistical point of view (20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists on average, and almost 39% success behind the arc) than in level of highlights: impossible passes, improbable finishes, 3-pointers two meters behind the line, and even some big dunks. Selected for the All Star Game, LaMelo LaFrance (yes, that’s really his middle name) even brought the Hornets to their first positive record since the 2015-16 fiscal year. This year is definitely very complicated for the proteges of Michael Jordan.
The Hornets season is definitely not a long calm river. Cascading injuries and shovel defeats, we will quickly put them in the column of favorites to welcome Victor Wembanyama at this pace.
Source texte : The Sporting News
