In a significant blow to the Charlotte Hornets, star point guard LaMelo Ball will be sidelined for the rest of the season as he undergoes two minor surgeries to address ongoing right ankle and wrist issues. The announcement was made by the team on Friday.

Ball is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery to resolve a right ankle impingement and will also have a procedure on his right wrist, according to team sources. After playing through considerable pain in recent weeks, both Ball and the team's medical staff opted for surgical intervention following consultations with specialists.

At just 23 years old, the young star has struggled with recurrent ankle problems over the past few seasons. He has missed a staggering 25 or more games in each of the last three years, a stark contrast to his career-high of 75 games played during the 2021-22 season. Last year, he underwent surgery on the same ankle, cementing a troubling trend for both him and the team. History seems to be repeating itself, as Ball will again be shut down on March 28—not an unfamiliar date for Hornets fans, given his early-season ramp-down last year due to similar injuries.

Despite these setbacks, Ball was enjoying an exceptional season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 32 minutes of play across 47 games. Notably, he became the first player in Hornets history to average at least 25 points and seven assists, setting a franchise record with six games where he tallied both 25 points and 10 assists. With the second-highest usage rate in the NBA, Ball's contributions on the court were crucial to Charlotte's gameplay.

Currently, the Hornets hold an unfortunate record of 18-54, placing them with the third-worst record in the league. However, there might be a silver lining. The team has amassed significant draft capital, securing six additional draft picks since October. With all future first-round picks in their possession, they currently have a treasure trove of 11 first-round and 13 second-round picks, setting them up for potentially transformative future drafts.

As the season progresses, Charlotte's performance has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly when rolling out lineups featuring LaMelo Ball alongside promising talents like Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams. However, injuries have limited their ability to capitalize on their collective potential. Fans are holding their breath, hoping for a swift recovery for Ball and an even brighter future for the franchise as they seek to rebuild and reclaim their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons.

Stay tuned for updates on LaMelo's recovery and the Hornets' journey ahead!