The ending of LaMelo Ball’s National Basketball League (NBL) career was met with many questions as to the motives behind it. While Ball’s injury was real, the severity of it has been up in the air. Ball was spotted in a walking boot on the sideline during the duration of his absence from the lineup.
But rumors have long floated that Ball used the injury as a way to end his time in the league after a successful stint. With the 2020 NBA Draft being the bigger picture end goal for Ball and his camp, the NBL was just a stepping stone on his way to the league.
The Illawarra Hawks, though, were not ignorant to Ball’s focus and supported him along the way, as stated by their general manager Mat Campbell in a recent interview with the Illawarra Mercury.
“We’re totally understanding of [Draft concerns], this was always a part of a pathway opportunity to get to his goal which was being the No. 1 Draft pick. This is part of the goal and then playing in the NBA. Being the No. 1 Draft pick is still up in the air but playing in the NBA is well and truly conceivable. We always knew this was a pathway opportunity for him. We would’ve loved to see him back on the floor but the fact we were able to get it early enough in just the bone bruising stage is a real testament to our medical team.
Knowing that Ball’s end goal was not the NBL, the Hawks showed particular caution in handling Ball’s injury. Per the Illawarra Mercury piece, the team had three separate doctors look at Ball before his camp made the final decision to pull the plug on his season.
“Given his profile we were probably more cautious in getting it all right, that’s why we had three different doctors look at it. It’s a shame, we would’ve love to see him on the floor. We were really starting to see him develop as a player, he had back to back triple-doubles right before he got injured. He would’ve certainly helped us on the floor.”
In all, the Hawks handled the situation as diligently and carefully as possible. The team recognized and respected Ball’s future plans and kept those at the forefront despite the team’s struggles on the season. It’s an admirable move from the franchise that certainly paints them in a rightfully great light.
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