LaMelo Ball is one of the best young stars in the NBA.
Despite only playing in 22 games last season, he still averaged 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from three-point range.
On Thursday, Ball will celebrate his 23rd birthday.
Many people wished him a speedy recovery on social media, and one of the people who sent a message was Miles Bridges.
Bridges (via his Instagram story): “Happy RTB day, my brother, I love you, 5L and after @melo“
Ball and Bridges were teammates during Ball’s four seasons in the NBA.
Last year, Bridges averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from three-point range in 69 games.
Over the summer, he agreed to a new contract with the Hornets (h/t ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski).
Via Wojnarowski on July 6: “Free agent F Miles Bridges has agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN.”
Free agent F Miles Bridges has agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract to return to the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8uQ2fLaDDC
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024
Although both players are extremely talented, they failed to lead the Hornets to the NBA playoffs.
They are coming off a year where they were the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 21-61 record.
The franchise has not made the playoffs since the 2016 season, when Kemba Walker was still on the roster (eight years ago).
If the Hornets can have a good season, they should be able to take a step forward next year.
