The Hornets high-profiled rookie, LaMelo Ball wins the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year despite missing 22 regular season games this season.
Ball only played 51 games due to injury. That is the fourth-fewest games played to win the Rookie of the Year award in NBA history.
LaMelo Ball was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets. He was spectacular in the season, especially when he showcased his passing ability.
Ball averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds for the Charlotte Hornets this season. His exciting play helped voters to look over the fact he missed so many games.
Plus, when healthy and playing, Ball led all rookies in assists, steals, and player impact efficiency (PIE). Ball was also in the top three for rookies in points and rebounds.
LaMelo Ball started the season coming off the bench as the Hornets appeared to be trying to bring him up slowly.
Ball’s play ultimately won him the starting spot. He started 31 out of the 51 games that he played in.
LaMelo Ball’s shooting was shaky at times. He only shot 43.6% from the field and 35.2% from three. His shooting should strengthen the more he’s in the league.
LaMelo Ball didn’t go to college, instead, after high school, he bounced around in a few other professional basketball leagues.
After a disappointing season with the Lithuanian Basketball League where Ball only saw 12.8 minutes a game, he joined the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball Association(JBA).
After eight regular season games, Ball averaged a triple-double with 39.6 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 11.5 assists per game, while being named to the All-Star Game.
Ball scored a season high 55 in the semifinals, and he would help the Los Angeles Ballers win the JBA championship.
In 2019 and 2020, Ball played in a few other leagues (NBL, Drew League) to help get him ready for the NBA.
It’s safe to say it worked. The big question now is, how will Ball perform in his sophomore season?
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