Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego said rookie LaMelo Ball participated in on-court workouts on Monday as he continues to make progress in his rehabilitation from right wrist surgery.
Ball last week was cleared to return to individual basketball activity after a CT scan determined the fractured bone was fully healed. He has made progress each day, and the team hopes to get him back into full practices, which is the next step in his rehab.
Along with Ball, the Hornets are also nursing Malik Monk back into action with a sprained right ankle. The two players are on similar timelines to return to the lineup, and both could practice later this week, according to Borrego.
They didn’t go live and have contact today, but they were on the floor. They got workouts in, both of them. I think the next step is really getting some live play for both of them. We’re not there yet so we have some time and hopefully the sooner the better for both of them. They’re kind of in the same range right now. … There’s no guarantee of that happening tomorrow or Wednesday but that’s the hope. That’s the next step for both players.
Ball was seen last week prior to the Hornets facing the Chicago Bulls going through a small workout on the court. He participated in a number of dribbling drills and even drove to the basket a couple of times using his right hand.
The Hornets were initially hopeful Ball could return this week, but the team will certainly not rush him back too quickly. The Hornets play on Tuesday and Wednesday and then have a few days off before returning on Saturday, so that is likely the target date to have Ball re-join the team.
Ball, through 41 games played, is averaging 15.9 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals with the Hornets. Despite not playing since March 20, Ball ranks sixth in total scoring and second in assists among all rookie players.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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