Hoops

LaMelo Ball out four weeks with a foot injury

Holding out got Dante Exum and his broke ass jumper to #5. A bit of mystery goes a long way.

I don't know if that field goal percentage matters as far as maintaining an NBA career - Jason Kidd, Ricky Rubio, even Lonzo, all rubbish shooters sub-.400 but still carved out a niche.

He’ll be dunking it in the nba like Simmons, no zone or key clogging defence there. He’s going to be a superstar.

Koberulz, I don’t agree with the conspiracy on that one either, but you’d be surprised, the nba always has interest in its future products.

Lamelo is a future face of one of the biggest money making competitions in the world. I wouldn’t put it past the nba to have a quiet line of communication in the form of ‘guidance’ to the NBL on something like this. Uncharted territory.

There was probably some NBA condition which the NBL had to (quietly) sign up to as part of the Next Stars program that draft prospects could be put 'on the injury list' at any time the NBA specified.

There was probably some NBA condition which the NBL had to (quietly) sign up to as part of the Next Stars program that draft prospects could be put 'on the injury list' at any time the NBA specified.

LaMelo was at the Snakepit today for like 3 hours watching the U/14 lads play, moonboot & all & even got out there shooting some hoops in the quarter time breaks & happily having photos with every kid (& adult) that approached him. Seems pretty genuine.

There was probably some NBA condition which the NBL had to (quietly) sign up to as part of the Next Stars program that draft prospects could be put ‘on the injury list’ at any time the NBA specified.

It certainly is curious that both Ball and Hampton are injured at the same time.

Time will tell if it’s genuine or just stuffing the NBL and fans around. Basketball has already had one big embarrassment caused by people buying tickets to see particular players, and then being disappointed; the negative backlash if it happens again will swamp the great benefits that the Next stars program has brought in terms of publicity and $$$

Yep, nothing protects draft stock like unspecified long-term injuries.

I love a good conspiracy theory, but i'm not buying into this one. I don't think its some sort of fake injury to get him home.

I still think he has a lot to prove here. It will look really good for him to rehab here and return and treat the situation like a pro. The old Melo might have left, but i don't think he will now.

He'll rehab here for a few weeks and be back playing for the Hawks after new years.

Seems a great coincidence that this injury had happened at the exact time Ball had reached number 1 on the projected draft boards, no point in him continuing in Australia and potentially jeopardising his number 1 status

You don’t need go listen to Shane heal to know what’s happening here. Jesus. It’s over.

"Ball will rehab his injury in Australia and is expected to make a full recovery and continue to play for the Hawks for the remainder of the season."

Bit of a Simmons sitch?

Commit to something with full intention of bailing on commitment?

Bad timing, all those people buying tix to go see him will be disappointed

Heal and homicide just make shit up, you should just ignore anything they say.

I’m not surprised. Called this.