When it comes to electrifying NBA talent, few match LaMelo Ball’s flair. The Charlotte Hornets guard dazzles fans with his playmaking skills, but his career has been marred by nagging injuries. Over the past two seasons, LaMelo Ball has only graced the court in 58 games, with persistent ankle troubles—compounded by the need for LaMelo Ball’s ankle braces—keeping him sidelined for much of the action.
LaMelo Ball’s Ankle Braces: A Game-Changer or Just Another Failed Fix?
In a bid to turn his fortunes around, Ball is making a bold move: he’s finally listening to fans who have long urged him to wear ankle braces. This decision, captured in a recent Instagram post by the Hornets, signals a potential turning point in his career. The 22-year-old, often seen as one of the NBA’s brightest stars, is set to strap on these braces in the upcoming season—a first for him.
Evan Sidery, an NBA reporter, shed light on this development, noting that despite previous plans to use the braces last season, Ball had shunned them due to discomfort. This hesitancy led to another frustrating season-ending ankle injury. The Hornets, however, are pinning their hopes on this new strategy. Sidery reported, “For the first time in his career, LaMelo Ball plans to wear ankle braces next season. Charlotte is optimistic that this precaution will keep him in the game and performing at an All-Star level.”
Yet, the braces alone can’t guarantee a pain-free season. Ball’s struggles with ankle tendinopathy, a condition that flares up with insufficient rest and treatment, still loom large. However, history offers a glimmer of hope. Stephen Curry faced similar woes early in his career. After enduring multiple ankle injuries, Curry adopted ankle braces, which played a pivotal role in his recovery and subsequent rise to one of the greatest point guards in history. The Hornets are hoping for a similar fairy tale for Ball.
The stakes are high. The last time Ball enjoyed a mostly healthy season, he earned his first All-Star nod. His potential is undeniable, and the Hornets are building their future around him. But this ambitious project could crumble if Ball’s injury problems persist.
The Hornets and Ball are exploring every avenue to combat his injury woes. Whether the braces will be the magic solution remains to be seen. As they embark on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Ball can finally stay fit and fulfill his superstar potential.
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