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With Star LaMelo Ball Out For Rest Of Season, Hornets Hope For Cooper Flagg To Fall Into Their Lap

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a play during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 22, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been plagued by the injury bug early in his career. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and right wrist, Ball is now likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Ball is expected to return to basketball activity in the next four to six weeks and make a full recovery, according to the team.

Ball reportedly was playing through pain for weeks prior to the procedures. Both Ball and the team doctors decided the best course of action was to proceed with surgery.

Ball has had surgery on his right ankle before. In 2023, he underwent a procedure to repair a broken ankle.

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Ball’s injury issues have followed him throughout his career. He has missed 30 games or more in four of his five seasons. In his last three years, Ball hasn’t played more than 47 games in a single season.

Before his injuries this season, Ball was averaging 25.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Injuries have been a primary factor in the Hornets’ struggle this season. Second-year rising star Brandon Miller hasn’t played since January 15. The Hornets are currently 19-57, sitting only ahead of the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference standings.

With Ball out for the remainder of the year, the Hornets will turn their focus to the offseason, where they will cross their fingers and hope for the first overall pick and Cooper Flagg to fall into their lap.