The timetable for LaMelo Ball's return remains unclear after Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee could not provide a straightforward answer to a couple of questions about the star that were thrown at him on Monday. One of the apprehensions surrounding Ball now is whether he can be healthy enough to suit up more often in a jersey than in street clothes. Lee's statements did nothing to dissipate those concerns.
Asked if the team is worried about Ball's situation, considering that the surgery he underwent in April was supposed to correct his ankle issues. Lee did not seem to directly answer the question, saying, "I'm actually excited about the progress he's been making every day. I feel like he's feeling a little bit better, able to do more on court."
In addition to the possible deflection, the second-year head coach also revealed having a plan in place to maximize the number of Melo's appearances this season, which both of them and the organization are purportedly excited about.
A follow-up question on whether what Ball is feeling is more soreness or discomfort was put forward, to which Lee replied, "I would just say that he's continued to strengthen and work on things, so that he is able to play as many games as possible. And I think that the movement gets better and better every day. So, that's where I will classify it."
Lee offered somewhat lengthy remarks, but we still don't know if Ball is continuing to experience pain despite the surgery or what the timeline for his return is. Hearing that the point guard is being prepared to play in as many nights as possible also isn't that much of an assurance, as the statement is more qualitative than quantitative.
Waiting on a healthy LaMelo Ball might take a while
Perhaps the coach had been briefed earlier by the front office to deliver vague responses about Ball's condition. Unfortunately, all the fans can do for now is be patient, even if that could also entail waiting in vain for a comeback by a completely healthy Ball.
The harsh reality that Charlotte has had to endure is that its best player has yet to play more than seven consecutive games since appearing in the first 18 matches of the 2024-25 campaign. Another is that the duo of Ball and Brandon Miller has not had enough opportunities to grow together on the floor and prove that it can be the foundation of a competitive team.
Blaming the current circumstances on Lee and Ball might be misguided, though.
The coach can only play with the cards he has been dealt, although it would be nice to hear definitive updates now and then instead of skirting around uncomfortable topics. Also, it's not entirely Ball's fault that he has an injury-prone body. Still, he could probably benefit from putting on some more muscle or emulating Stephen Curry's strategy to overcome his chronic ankle issues, which consisted of the heavy use of ankle braces, improvement of his balance and core and hip strength, and changing shoe brands, among other measures.
The hope of seeing the Hornets turn things around with Ball at the center of the rebuild appears to be slowly dwindling. And it might finally be time for the front office to seriously consider the alternatives.