The Charlotte Hornets Simply Dealt LiAngelo Ball Some Devastating Information By Signing Isaiah Thomas

When the Charlotte Hornets determined to depart LiAngelo Ball within the G League, it was solely a matter of time earlier than outspoken household patriarch LaVar Ball weighed in. In spite of everything, it appeared that an NBA reunion for the Ball household — with older bro Lonzo and the youthful LaMelo — was all however sure quickly after LiAngelo went to the G League.

The household get-together on an NBA flooring should wait.

The Hornets signing Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract is devastating information for LiAngelo, who appears farther away than ever from making his NBA debut.

Isaiah Thomas information is horrible information for LiAgelo Ball

The newest information across the Hornets is the workforce signing two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract on March 2. Charlotte will the tenth workforce the well-traveled Thomas fits up for in his profession. Including the purpose guard offers some backcourt assist for LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier (who’s extra of a capturing guard).

Including Thomas, who made the All-Rookie workforce in 2011-12 and was all-NBA in 2016-17, places the Hornets’ roster at 17 gamers. Which suggests there’s one much less spot for LiAngelo.

Past roster measurement and workforce want, Ball’s path to enjoying for the Hornets is blocked by who stands in entrance of him.

As a swingman, he may doubtlessly slot it at capturing guard or small ahead. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. (capturing guards) and Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and Cody Martin (small forwards) are among the many high seven Charlotte gamers in minutes performed and high eight in factors per recreation.

The mixture of including Thomas and the established depth at capturing guard and small ahead means Ball received’t be suiting up for the Hornets anytime quickly. That, plus his present degree of success (or lack of it).

Ball’s G League stats don’t paint a reasonably image

LiAngelo Ball shined in his NBA summer time league debut and did the identical throughout his first recreation with the Greensboro Swarm within the G League (22 factors on 9-of-13 capturing and 4-of-7 from three). It’s been all downhill since then.

Ball ranks No. 230 within the G League along with his 5.3 factors per recreation.

Perhaps you don’t need to go primarily based solely on factors. Properly, his different stats aren’t something to jot down residence about both:

• 39.3% subject aim share
• 36.9% from three (24 of 65)
• 50.0% free throw share (on 1 of two capturing)
• 1.3 rebounds per recreation (254th within the G League)

LiAngelo takes care of the ball — simply 5 turnovers via 18 G League video games performed — however he additionally managed solely three assists.

What’s subsequent for LiAngelo Ball?

LiAngelo Ball signed a 10-day contract with the Pistons in December 2020. He by no means noticed recreation motion and was waived, which in fact led to LaVar unleashing a diatribe on Detroit. An ankle harm close to the tip of January (h/t CBS Sports activities) put him on the sidelines for the Swarm. He’s been working to get to affix his brothers within the NBA ever since.

Nevertheless it’s laborious to guage a participant who’s combating simply to remain wholesome. And at 25 years previous, he’s nonetheless comparatively younger with time to develop right into a serviceable function participant. All Ball wants is one NBA workforce to take an opportunity and for him to grab it.