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Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball cleared to return to individual activities

By Shawn Simmons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 28: (L-R) Bismack Biyombo and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets sit on the bench during their game against the Phoenix Suns at Spectrum Center on March 28, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 28: (L-R) Bismack Biyombo and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets sit on the bench during their game against the Phoenix Suns at Spectrum Center on March 28, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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On Monday, the Charlotte Hornets announced that rookie guard LaMelo Ball had been cleared to return to individual basketball activities.

Ball visited Dr. Michelle Carlson, who performed his surgery last month in New York, his cast was removed, and following a CT scan, it was confirmed that his wrist was healed.

Prior to his injury, Ball appeared in 41 games (21 starts) averaging 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.

A return to the court by the Rookie of the Year Awad frontrunner would help the Hornets significantly. Since Ball suffered the injury on March 20, Gordon Hayward, Malik Monk, Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, and PJ Washington have all missed time causing the Hornets to slip in the Eastern Conference standings.

If Ball returns to the court and picks up where he left off, it would certainly help the Hornets’ chances in securing their first playoff berth since the 2015-16 season. Charlotte has slipped from fourth place in the East to eighth with the recent rash of injuries. If the season ended today, the Hornets would need to secure a playoff berth by participating in the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Although there is hope that Ball could return in the next 10 days, it is not a guarantee. Hornets’ general manager Mitch Kupchak has stated that Charlotte would not do anything that might risk Ball’s long-term future by clearing him to play this season.

Next. Charlotte Hornets: Jalen McDaniels will be a weapon when team is healthy. dark

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