LiAngelo Ball this week said that he feels as though he should have the opportunity to play in the NBA next season after appearing with the Charlotte Hornets in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Ball, the middle brother of Lonzo and LaMelo, logged five games with the Hornets, averaging 9.6 points, two rebounds and 1.6 steals off the bench. He produced his best game in Las Vegas on Aug. 8 after recording 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.
The 22-year-old said prior to the start of summer league that he would not take the opportunity with Charlotte for granted. He was said to have impressed the coaching staff and his teammates with his work ethic and he feels as though he showed enough to warrant a roster spot.
“I feel like I belong in the league, but I know I can show more than what I did,” Ball said on Monday. “I’m not satisfied with how I played this last game, but overall it was all right. I can always get better going forward.”
LiAngelo balled out in Vegas 🔥
Check out his top 10 plays from Summer League pic.twitter.com/aJDvDTrw9R
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 18, 2021
Overall, Ball called it a good experience to play with Charlotte.
He picked up new terms on the court when it comes to different plays and sets. Ball also has a better understanding of where he should be on the court on offense and defense. He also played physically on both ends of the floor and demonstrated that he can hold his own.
Ball was previously with the Detroit Pistons in training camp last season but did not play in the NBA or G League. The signing of Ball was met with mixed reactions but he likely proved to be worthy of a chance to compete for a roster spot, either in Charlotte or elsewhere.
In the end, that’s likely all that he wanted to showcase this summer.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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