While not yet official, LaMelo Ball is expected to be named the Rookie of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the third player in Hornets history to win the award. It was a lengthy wait from the end of the season for Ball to be announced as the league’s top first-year player, but turned out to be well worth the wait.
This season, Ball averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds in 51 games. Ball started his final 31 games of the year, a span that also featured nearly four weeks on the sideline with a wrist injury. He became the youngest player in league history to notch a triple-double.
Ball all but confirmed he would be receiving the award by taking to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon with his own reaction.
blessings 🕺🏽🛸💕
— Melo (@MELOD1P) June 16, 2021
Likewise, Ball’s Hornets teammates shared their reactions on Twitter, celebrating the Chino Hills-natives accomplishment.
YESSIR GANG @MELOD1P https://t.co/J8FQnx89RW
— PJ Washington (@PJWashington) June 16, 2021
Told y’all 😂🤷🏾 https://t.co/wTtQDhfYxf
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) June 16, 2021
The Hornets were a close-knit group around Ball this season, leading to memorable moments on and off the court.
