LaMelo Ball questionable for Saturday’s game against Miami

Tim Bontemps: It was a turnaround led by a spectacular performance from star guard LaMelo Ball, who had 34 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists in 38 minutes. It’s a huge year for Ball, who has played just 59 games since his breakthrough All-Star season in 2021-22. To help combat that, Ball has taken the Stephen Curry approach to his balky ankles, sources said, wearing strong braces to try to avoid having the same injury issues that have cut short each of his past two seasons. And it wasn’t just Ball who impressed, as Tre Mann — who had discussions with the front office about a rookie contract extension, sources said, before ultimately not signing one — had 24 points off the bench and could be primed for a big first full season away from the Oklahoma City Thunder after joining Charlotte in the Gordon Hayward deal last season. -via ESPN / October 26, 2024

That’s cool and all, but Ball digging in defensively with the kind of effort he had against the Rockets is what really has the Hornets salivating. “Yeah, it helps when your best players play defense,” coach Charles Lee said. “Around the league, some of the better teams in the league, their best guys, they can play defense. You don’t have to call a time out at the end of the game, and have to sub them out and use your timeouts or anything like that. “Him taking ownership of that side of the ball, I think just helps our team, sets an example for everyone one through 15 or 18 with your two-way guys. I’m just very proud and excited for him to continue to grow.” -via Charlotte Observer / October 24, 2024

LaMelo Ball with a heartfelt message about his special relationship with Kemba Wallker: “He gang, I’m gang, I f*** with his family” -via reddit / October 24, 2024