The Hornets continued life without LaMelo Ball this week in impressive fashion. On Monday, roughly 24 hours removed from the news of Ball’s potential season-ending fractured wrist, Charlotte grinded out a win in San Antonio. They then closed their road trip on Wednesday with a blowout win in Houston, moving back over .500 and into the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
However, the loss of Ball has been felt on and off the court in the days since his injury.
“It’s definitely been tough,” P.J. Washington said. “I think LaMelo’s a great guy. He definitely has high spirits. I can’t wait to have him back. He brings us a lot of energy. He’s funny, always joking around, never stops talking. always has energy. So just having him around is always good, but I’m definitely excited everything went well and I hope he has a great recovery.”
Gordon Hayward had a similar type of injury in the preseason when he fractured his thumb, though he has been able to play through his injury. Hayward’s unfortunate history with injuries, though, could allow him to serve as someone to help guide LaMelo through the coming weeks and months.
“Injuries suck,” Hayward said. “I feel really bad for him. He’s playing at a really high level. He was great for our team. I think he was just getting going, too. I think we all feel for Melo…we all wish him a speedy recovery and he was extremely important to our team.”
Another veteran that has already helped Ball throughout the season has been Terry Rozier. The two have been close both on and off the court this season and when Ball received the diagnosis on his hand, it was Rozier and Miles Bridges that stayed by his side to keep his spirits high on Sunday.
“I feel for him,” Rozier said. “It’s never easy dealing with things like this, hearing that you’re going to be out for the season. Melo’s like my little brother. I know him. I know how he works. If it was up to him, he would play left-handed. That’s just the competitor he is. But you just got to shut it down. Just got to just keep getting better and just stay poised.
“I was with him all yesterday just trying to keep him level-headed, me and Miles. He’s in a good place. He’ll be alright.”
After Wednesday’s game, Bridges took to Twitter to show his desire to have Ball back with the team as well.
Miss you Dip @MELOD1P !!!!!
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) March 25, 2021
Ultimately, Ball may be able to return this season, though he’ll be cutting it close with the end of the regular season. But having him return to the sidelines and practice court around the team may be just as impactful to the team’s morale as they head into a playoff race.
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