The issues are piling up for the Charlotte Hornets.
All-Star guard LaMelo Ball will miss San Antonio’s season opener after suffering an ankle sprain in the preseason. Ball suffered the injury during Monday night’s loss to the Washington Wizards when he stepped on Anthony Gill’s leg while driving to the basket. A brutal end to the preseason as Charlotte went 0-5.
LaMelo Ball will not return to tonight’s preseason game with a sore left ankle. pic.twitter.com/BwHRHWWNqC
– Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) October 11, 2022
Head coach Steve Clifford said there is currently no punt return time.
“He couldn’t do anything today,” Clifford said. He’s doing more rehab and everything he can, but I’d say it’s highly doubtful.
Clifford added that Terry Rozier is typically the starting shooting guard to fill in for LaMelo. Kelly Oubre Jr. He will be added to the starting lineup along with Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington and Mason Plumlee.
This is a huge loss for a Hornets team that has gone through its trials and tribulations this season. In his second season, Ball averaged 20.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game, his first season as a full-time starter. He shot 38.9% over seven attempts per game, earning him his first career All-Star berth.
It was an exciting 24 hours for the Charlotte Hornets. Over the weekend, another young patrolman, James Bucknight, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired.
The Hornets open the regular season on the road on Oct. 19 when they face the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately, their young star LaMelo Ball is unavailable.
