How shutting down LaMelo Ball for the season now helps Hornets in the long term

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been shut down for the rest of the NBA season. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Ball will undergo surgery to address issues with his ankle and wrist. 

According to Charania, by having surgery now, Ball should recover in time to have a full offseason. 

"Team doctors and outside specialists concluded that the two procedures will allow Ball to heal and have a full offseason," Charania reported. "The decision ends Ball’s career year in scoring. He is the first player in Hornets history to average 25 points and 7 assists in a season, per ESPN research."

The Hornets sit 14th in the Eastern Conference and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Charlotte has nothing left to play for. Therefore, allowing Ball to receive surgery now, so that he can continue improving his game during the summer, is the wise move. 

Ball is a budding superstar. His aesthetically pleasing style of play is a genuine reason for fans to attend games. He is also the sort of talent who attracts other stars in free agency. The Hornets need him to be healthy. 

Assuming Charles Lee's coaching can help improve the rest of the roster, the Hornets will be a team on the rise in the near future. Ball's longevity is of paramount importance in that regard.

If Charlotte was in the hunt for a play-in spot, Ball would likely have held off on getting surgery. Both he and the team have likely sat down and explored their options. It makes sense for him to sit out a bunch of games that don't matter, especially if the return is having him at his best to begin a new season. 

Things are looking up in Charlotte. Just a few years ago, it's hard to see the franchise making this type of forward-thinking move. So, while losing Ball hurts in the short term, the long-term upside is well worth it.