For the fourth straight game, LaMelo Ball is questionable to play because of ankle impingement. The Charlotte Hornets may need to brace for the possibility that the injury could become a persistent issue due to its nature. Unfortunately, the franchise did not prepare for an extended Ball absence, as evidenced by its lack of another dependable playmaker on the roster.
The Spencer Dinwiddie signing was supposed to be insurance in the event that the Hornets star must spend some time on the sidelines. However, the front office decided to let Dinwiddie go, which will likely prove to be the right move, but has also left them with few options in seeking a backup for Ball.
Perhaps Charlotte trusted too much that Collin Sexton and Tre Mann would be able to hold down the fort. While they have had their moments early this season, it has become plain to see that they just aren't point guard material. Sexton has done admirably, though, recording a total of 17 assists in the two games that Ball sat out. Still, the veteran appears to be more effective as a secondary creator instead of the primary offensive initiator.
Hornets' LaMelo Ball dilemma has no easy resolution
The scary thing for the Hive is that Ball's injury came out of nowhere this season. It was over two years ago when he sustained a fracture in his right ankle, and it's not exactly an encouraging sign that he continues to experience pain in that joint to this day.
Naturally, the organization and its fans are praying that his time off the floor is just precautionary and not an indication of something worse. Given the 24-year-old's durability issues and the context of the Hornets' announcements in the past four contests, it's tough to be optimistic about his outlook.
Another problem is that Charlotte might be hard-pressed to weather the possible storm, especially since the injured Brandon Miller will also have to miss at least a couple more weeks due to left shoulder subluxation. Unless any of Sexton, Mann, Kon Knueppel, and Sion James demonstrate the ability to be effective in running the offense, the Hornets are in a tight spot if Ball indeed has to miss some more time.
Perhaps the squad should have been more diligent in constructing a roster capable of staying competitive even without Ball, although no one can really fault it for hoping that its cornerstone has finally gotten a clean bill of health.
For now, the best the Hornets can do is wait for Ball to be completely healthy, but history has taught us that they shouldn't have put all their eggs in that basket in the first place.