Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) handles the ball during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets' LaMelo Ball named NBA's Rookie of the Year

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/16/21

Despite missing time with a fractured wrist, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been named the NBA's Rookie of the Year, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been voted the NBA’s Rookie of the Year, sources tell ESPN. Announcement expected soon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2021

Ball fractured his wrist in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 20 and missed a total of 21 games. He returned on May 1 against the Detroit Pistons.

The 19-year-old had been a front-runner for the league's MVP award all season. He averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 35.2% from deep.

Ball was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, going after Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Golden State Warriors big man James Wiseman.

Edwards and Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton were also up for the Rookie of the Year award.

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