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Hornets guard LaMelo Ball wins 2020-21 NBA Rookie of Year award

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA announced today.

He is the third player to win the annual award with Charlotte, joining Larry Johnson (1991-92) and Emeka Okafor (2004-05).

Ball received 84 first-place votes and earned 465 total points from a global panel of 99 sportswriters and broadcasters. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards received the other 15 first-place votes and finished in second place with 309 points. Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton finished in third place with 114 points. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

Ball averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.59 steals in 28.8 minutes in 51 games (31 starts), leading all rookies in assists and steals and ranking second in points and rebounds. He is the seventh rookie to average at least 15.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.50 steals in a season since steals became an official statistic in the 1973-74 season, joining Magic Johnson (1979-80), Penny Hardaway (1993-94), Steve Francis (1999-00), Chris Paul (2005-06), Michael Carter-Williams (2013-14) and Ben Simmons (2017-18). Ball was one of two NBA players to reach all four of those averages this season, along with Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler.

On Jan. 9, Ball recorded 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists against the Atlanta Hawks at 19 years, 140 days old, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to have a triple-double. In other standout performances, Ball posted a career-high 34 points, eight assists and zero turnovers against the Utah Jazz on Feb. 5 in his third career start, and he had 30 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 1. Despite missing 21 games with a wrist injury, Ball finished with the second-most assists (313) and third-most three-pointers made (92) by a rookie in Hornets history.

Ball was selected as the NBA Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in each of the first three months of the season (December/January, February and March). He was also named to the U.S. Team for the 2021 NBA Rising Stars rosters.

Charlotte selected Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Ball played for the Illawara Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League during the 2019-20 season, where he was named the NBL Rookie of the Year.

The NBA Rookie of the Year trophy is named in honor of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Eddie Gottlieb, one of the NBA’s founders. Gottlieb coached the Philadelphia Warriors to the 1946-47 championship in the league’s first season.

Pacers and Hornets square off in NBA Play-in Tournament game tonight

The Hornets play the Pacers at 6:30PM ET tonight in the first of two NBA Play-in Tournament games tonight. In the second game, at 9PM ET, the Wizards will face the Celtics. Both games are on TNT.

PACERS TEAM NOTES

The Pacers finished the regular season ranked sixth in the NBA in scoring and set a new NBA franchise record for the highest scoring average over a season with 115.3 points per game.

Indiana matched its franchise record with 21 3-pointers made in Thursday’s loss to Milwaukee. Justin Holiday led the Pacers with 26 points – his highest total in his two seasons with Indiana – and set a new career high with eight 3-pointers – one shy of the team’s franchise record. The Pacers set a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a season (12.4 per game)
and passed their previous mark after 63 games this year (779 in 2018-19).

Indiana finished with the best road record in the Eastern Conference at 21-15. The Pacers finished with their third-best winning percentage (.589) on the road in NBA franchise history.

Indiana finished first in the NBA in blocked shots with 460 and 6.4 per game. The Pacers finished with their second-highest average for blocks in NBA franchise history (6.5 in 1979-80). Despite missing 25 games due to injury this season, Myles Turner finished second in the NBA with 159 rejections.

Domantas Sabonis finished with his best NBA season in 2020-21 with 20.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. He became the first player in franchise history and the fifth player in NBA history to record averages of 20 or more points, 12 or more rebounds and six or more assists per game. He is the first player since Kevin Garnett in 2002-03 to post such averages in a season.

Sabonis finished 31st in the NBA in scoring, fourth in rebounding, 13th in assists, 23rd in field goal percentage (.535), 25th in steals (1.2) and fifth in minutes played (36.0). He also finished tied for fifth in the league with 48 double-doubles and fifth with a franchise-record nine triple-doubles.

After missing the final six games of April with a back injury, Sabonis posted four triple-doubles over a nine-game span in May while averaging 23.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 10.7 assists. He finished with 21 points and 20 rebounds in the win at Cleveland May 10, becoming the fourth player in NBA franchise history to record multiple games with 20+ points and 20+ rebounds (Jermaine O’Neal, 2, 2002-03; Clark Kellogg, 2, 1982-83; Dan Roundfield, 2, 1977-78).

Acquired in January via trade, Caris LeVert set career highs in 2020-21 despite missing 24 games due to a medical condition after the trade. LeVert finished with averages of 20.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game, all of which were his highest numbers in his five-year NBA career.

T.J. McConnell finished the regular season as the NBA’s leader in steals with 128 thefts, which was 20 more than the next-leading player (Miami’s Jimmy Butler, 108). McConnell finished with career highs this season with 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.86 steals per game. He also shot a career-best 55.9 percent from the field, which led the team and ranked 15th in the NBA.

HORNETS TEAM NOTES

This season, the Charlotte Hornets had two of the league’s top 3-point shooters with guard Terry Rozier finishing fifth in total 3s with 222 while guard Devonte’ Graham knocked down 179 shots from beyond the arc, 14th best. Charlotte is one of three teams along with Utah (7. Jordan Clarkson: 208, 12. Joe Ingles, 183, 13. Bojan Bogdanovic: 180) and Dallas (8. Tim Hardaway Jr.: 207, 10. Luka Doncic: 192) with multiple players in the top 15 in made 3s this season as well as one of four teams with two or more players making at least 175 3s as Chicago also joins that group (Zach LaVine: 200, Nikola Vuecivic: 176).

Rozier and Graham are the first duo for the Hornets with 175 or more made 3s in the same season as Rozier’s 222 made 3s ended up as the fifth most in a season in franchise history while Graham’s now ninth in made 3s in a season with his 179. Rozier ranks averaging 3.2 3-point field goals made per game, which ranks 12th among league leaders while Graham is 11th in 3s per contest at 3.3 as only Charlotte and the Jazz (Donovan Mitchell: 3.4, Clarkson: 3.1) have two players within the top 15 in 3s per game.

Hornets forward Miles Bridges had an excellent third season, averaging 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting .503% from the field.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball returned from a 21-game hiatus due to injury and averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game in his 10 games back. Ball totaled 27 points, six rebounds and six assists, his 10th game this season with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists, which is the third most by a rookie in their teens in NBA history as he passed Carmelo Anthony (8) on May 4 at Detroit and finished only behind Luka Doncic (17) and LeBron James (17). The first-year guard out of Chino Hills is second in franchise history in games with 20-5-5 by a first-year player, only behind Larry Johnson (16), as he totaled 17 20-point performances this season after scoring 22 points vs. New Orleans on May 9 for the fourth most in franchise history by a Hornets rookie surpassing Emeka Okafor (2004-05: 16). Since returning to action, Ball dished out at least five assists eight straight games from May 1-13 and nine of his 10 games and posted five-plus assists in 39 games this season.

In his first season, Ball averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists and 1.59 steals per game as he became just the 12th rookie in NBA history to average at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals per outing in their debut season. He was just one of four players in the 2020-21 season to average at least 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.5 steals while appearing in at least 70% of their team’s contests along with Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butkler and Dejounte Murray as he ranked tied for 17th in assists and ninth in steals per game among league leaders this season. Ball ranks second in assists (313), third in 3s (92), tied for fifth in steals (81) and 10th in points (803) among the Hornets all-time rookie leaders as he was third in total points, second in assists and third in steals among rookies this season.

Hornets guard Terry Rozier had a strong season as he once again set a career-high in scoring with 43 points knocking down a career-best 16 field goals vs. New Orleans on May 9. Rozier also knocked down seven 3s as he totaled 24 points in the first half, tying his career-high for most points in the first half as he had 18 points in the second quarter alone.

Rozier has been stellar in the fourth quarter and in clutch moments for the Hornets as he scored 28 points vs. Orlando on May 7, including 18 second half points and 13 points in the fourth quarter. He has six games this season with 20+ points in the second half as he was one of 19 players with six or more 20-point second halves and one of 25 players with eight or more 20+-point halves this season. Rozier is averaging 3.3 points per game in 27 games played in clutch situations, the 19th best clutch scoring average, and averaging 0.5 3s per game in those instances, which is tied for fifth in the NBA.

Hornets announce plans to allow increased home game capacity

The Charlotte Hornets announced today that the team will increase Spectrum Center’s capacity for any potential games in the upcoming Play-In Tournament and the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, bringing the number of fans to approximately 12,000 or 60%.

Previously, the capacity for Hornets games was 25%. Yesterday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper lifted social distancing requirements and limits on capacity and gatherings within the state.

Despite these changes, fans will still be required to wear masks that fully cover the mouth and nose at all times inside Spectrum Center except when actively eating or drinking.

Tickets for all potential home games in the NBA’s new State Farm Play-In Tournament and the first round of the NBA Playoffs will go on sale to the general public today.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more fans back at Spectrum Center for our potential play-in and playoff games,” said Hornets President and Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “We’ve seen the difference our fans have made since returning to Spectrum Center earlier this season, and we know that their passion and excitement will be a big advantage as we head into the postseason. Most importantly, it is great to see our community continue to make its way through this pandemic and this is another step forward for all of us. We thank Governor Cooper and his staff for their leadership during the pandemic and allowing us the opportunity to increase our capacity.”

The Hornets have clinched the opportunity to participate in the State Farm Play-In Tournament, which features the seventh- through 10th-place teams in each conference. The tournament will take place May 18-21 between the conclusion of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. In the new format, the seventh-place team will host the eighth-place team, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. In addition, the ninth-place team will host the 10th-place team, with the winner moving on to visit the loser of the first game for a matchup in which the winning team will earn the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.

Charlotte is currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings with two games remaining in the regular season: today at the New York Knicks and Sunday, May 16, at the Washington Wizards. Both games tip off at 1 p.m.

LaMelo Ball could return for Hornets soon

Some key Hornets players could make their return from injury soon, including star rookie point guard LaMelo Ball. Here’s a status update, via the Charlotte Observer:

In a sense, the two days off might be of more consequence to the Hornets right now than game days. The plan is for LaMelo Ball (broken wrist) and Malik Monk (sprained ankle) to scrimmage with the non-rotation players to test whether they are ready for games.

Small forward Gordon Hayward is further away from playing. He is still wearing a walking boot to protect his sprained right foot.

There’s hope Ball and Monk can both play this weekend. Ball has been out since March 20 and Monk since April 1, so each will need time to re-acclimate; their impact won’t be automatic. However, anything they can contribute could make a difference with just 10 regular season games left and the Hornets so shorthanded.

The Hornets are 30-32 this season, which is the 8th best record in the Eastern conference.

Ball is averaging 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 28.6 minutes per game so far this season, in 41 games played.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball making progress in recovery from wrist injury

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball underwent further evaluation on his right wrist today by Dr. Michelle Carlson of The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Ball’s cast was removed and a CT scan confirmed the wrist has healed. He has been cleared to return to individual basketball activity.

Ball sustained a fractured right wrist during the Hornets game against the LA Clippers on March 20.

Ball, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, is averaging 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.59 steals (7th in the NBA) per game in 41 contests. Among rookie leaders, Ball ranks first in assists and steals, second in scoring and is tied for second in rebounds. Since entering the starting lineup on Feb. 1 at Miami, he is averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.7 steals in his 21 starts while shooting .464% from the field and .426% from three-point range. Ball is the only player over the last 60 years to lead all rookies in total points, rebounds, assists and steals at the All-Star Break. Ball won three consecutive Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Awards to open the season in January, February and March.

Will the Hornets wind up in the NBA’s play-in tournament?

Will the Hornets end up in the NBA’s play-in-tournament? Via the Charlotte Observer:

If the Charlotte Hornets end up in the NBA’s new play-in format, what will that mean?

It’s certainly germane to explore: The Hornets are on a four-game losing streak heading into Sunday night’s home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. That has dropped them from fourth in the Eastern Conference standings to eighth. The Hornets are trying to break a four-season streak without a playoff appearance.

Finishing seventh or eighth in either NBA conference no longer guarantees a team a best-of-seven playoff series. Instead, the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th teams will briefly play each other to complete the eight-team playoff draw in the East and West.

Right now, the Heat are the East’s 7th seed, Hornets are 8th, Pacers close behind at 9th, then a few games after the Pacers are the Bulls, Wizards and Raptors all with 23 wins so far this season.

Gordon Hayward injured, out at least four weeks

Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward has suffered a right foot sprain, the team announced today.

The injury was sustained during the second quarter of last night’s win over the Indiana Pacers.

The initial diagnosis was confirmed via a physician’s exam and studies today in Indianapolis.

Hayward will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks and further updates on his status will be provided as appropriate.

Hayward is averaging 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 34.0 minutes per game over the course of 44 appearances (all starts) this season with the Hornets. The eleventh-year forward is shooting 41.4% from the three-point line. The veteran wing set a career-high in scoring this season on Jan. 6, 2021 vs. Atlanta with 44 points and has totaled 20 or more points in 20 outings this season. The Butler product was originally acquired by Charlotte in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics on Nov. 29, 2020.

Warriors trade Brad Wanamaker to Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets today acquired guard Brad Wanamaker, Toronto’s 2022 second-round pick, which is top 54 protected, and cash considerations in a trade with the Golden State Warriors in for Charlotte’s 2025 second-round pick, which is top 55 protected.

In his third season, Wanamaker is averaging 4.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 16.0 minutes per game in 39 appearances. For his career, Wanamaker has appeared in 146 games, including one start, accruing averages of 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 16.0 minutes per game over three seasons with two teams, the Boston Celtics (2018-20) and Golden State Warriors (2020-21).

Wanamaker led the NBA in free throw percentage during the 2019-20 season, shooting .926% from the free throw line. He played four seasons collegiately for the Pittsburgh Panthers and spent seven seasons overseas in France, Italy, Germany and Turkey from 2011 to 2018.

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball undergoes wrist surgery

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball underwent successful surgery to address a fracture in his right wrist. The surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City by Dr. Michelle Carlson.

Ball’s wrist will be immobilized and he will be reevaluated in four weeks.

The injury was sustained during the Hornets loss to the LA Clippers on March 20.

Ball, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, is averaging 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.59 steals (7th in the NBA) per game in 41 contests. Among rookie leaders, Ball ranks first in assists and steals, second in scoring and is tied for second in rebounds. Since starting on Feb. 1 in Miami, he is averaging 19.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.7 steals in his 21 starts while shooting .464% from the field and .426% from three-point range. Ball is the only player over the last 60 years to lead all rookies in total points, rebounds, assists and steals at the All-Star Break. Ball won back-to-back Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Awards in January and February.

Hornets will allow partial fan attendance, at 15% capacity, starting March 13, 2021

The Charlotte Hornets will welcome back a limited number of fans at Spectrum Center, starting with the team’s game on Saturday, March 13 against the Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m.

The Hornets’ reopening plan has been approved by state and county authorities, allowing the team to host fans at 15% capacity, which is approximately 3,000 fans per game.

Prior to reopening to the general public, the Hornets will host frontline healthcare workers from longtime partner Novant Health on Thursday, March 11 vs. Detroit. The Hornets will provide 500 complimentary tickets to Novant Health employees as a thank you for their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hornets fans back to Spectrum Center, even though it will be in a limited capacity,” said Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield. “The energy, excitement and passion that our fans bring every night to Spectrum Center has been missed by our players, coaches and staff, and we cannot wait to have them back in the Hive. This is a great first step for not only our fans, but our city and our entire community.

“On behalf of our entire organization, I’d like to thank Governor Cooper, Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio and our state and county health officials for their leadership, guidance and input throughout this process as we worked to reopen Spectrum Center to our fans.”

The team also laid out a long list of health safety standards they plan to adhere to.