Charlotte Hornets Secure Future With Contract Extension For Young Star LaMelo Ball

Photo: Instagram/LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets have taken a significant step to solidify their future by signing guard LaMelo Ball to a contract extension, according to an announcement by Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

The specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, as per team policy. Since being selected as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball has made an impressive impact on the court.

Over the course of three seasons, he has played in 162 games, starting in 142 of them. Throughout his career, Ball has maintained impressive averages of 19.4 points, 7.3 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 31.8 minutes per game.

Photo: Instagram/LaMelo Ball

Ball's remarkable skills were recognized when he earned the title of NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2020-21 season. He achieved this honor by averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.

Among all rookies, Ball led in assists and steals per game, and ranked second in points and rebounds per game. His outstanding performance also earned him a unanimous All-Rookie First Team selection, as well as the opportunity to participate in the 2021 Rising Stars Challenge.

In his second season, Ball experienced a breakout campaign, joining an exclusive club of players. He became one of only three players in NBA history, alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, to maintain averages of at least 20.0 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game at the age of 20.

Additionally, Ball joined Magic Johnson as the only players in league history to average at least 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game within their first 100 career games. These remarkable achievements led to Ball's first All-Star selection, making him the fourth-youngest All-Star in NBA history, behind only Kobe Bryant, James, and Johnson.

During the 2022-23 season, Ball reached new heights, setting career highs in multiple categories. He averaged an impressive 23.3 points, 8.4 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Ball's exceptional performance made him the sole player in the league to maintain averages of at least 23.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.0 3-pointers per game.

Furthermore, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record a 3-pointer in 50 consecutive games and established a franchise record for career triple-doubles with nine. Before joining the NBA, Ball showcased his talents internationally.

He earned the Rookie of the Year honors in the Australian National Basketball League while playing for the Illawarra Hawks. Additionally, Ball gained valuable experience during his time with Vytautas Prienu of the Lithuanian Basketball League in the 2017-18 season.

Fans of the Charlotte Hornets can secure their membership for the upcoming 2023-24 season by joining the Hive Society. However, availability in the lower level is extremely limited. To obtain more information or purchase tickets, interested individuals can call 704.HORNETS.

Read Next: Ja Morant Sends Warning To NBA As Grizzlies Sign Derrick Rose: A Promising Duo In The Making

Source: NBA

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