A disappointing season for the Hornets went from bad to worse Monday night as one of the NBA's brightest young stars suffered what could be a season-ending injury.
Charlotte announced star guard LaMelo Ball suffered a fracture in his right ankle during the third quarter of the Hornets' 117–106 win over the Pistons, forcing him from the game after recording 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. With Charlotte sitting on a 72–54 lead, Ball fell awkwardly without being touched while handling the ball.
The 21-year-old Ball has averaged 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists across 35 games this season, his third in the NBA. His per-game averages for points and assists are both career highs.