LaMelo Ball surgery jump-starts journey to recovery

This week, the Charlotte Hornets announced that guard LaMelo Ball underwent successful surgery to repair a fractured right wrist sustained during the Hornets loss to the LA Clippers on March 20. The procedure was completed in New York City by specialist Dr. Michelle Carlson. Ball’s condition will be monitored over the next four weeks.

Dr. Michelle Carlson is an award-winning orthopedic surgeon specializing in treating sports-related hand, wrist, and upper extremity injuries, hand and wrist fractures, arthritis, and neurologic conditions. She has been in practice for more than 25 years at Hospital for Special Surgery, where she also completed her internship, residency, and fellowship after graduating from Cornell Medical School as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.

Ball, who earned back-to-back Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month Awards in January and February was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft and brought a new energy to the Hornets lineup culminating in 15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.59 steals (7th in the NBA) per game. Ball ranks first in assists and steals, second in scoring and is tied for second in rebounds among rookies this season.

The team has shared no further details about Ball's recovery at this time.