When you take the unconventional route to the NBA, it can sometimes be a difficult journey. But when you’re LiAngelo Ball, getting to the league has been extremely tough. After committing to UCLA and playing in a few scrimmages, he was arrested in China for stealing sunglasses.
That particular incident led to his departure from college, and you could say things have gone downhill. He made appearances in his father’s own basketball league and also played in Lithuania with his brother for some time.
But, when you’re at the bottom, all you can go is up. LiAngelo was invited to Summer League with the Charlotte Hornets in 2021 and performed well enough to play on their G-League affiliate.
Fast forward to today, and NBA teams need to start opening their eyes and give this man a roster spot.
A Great Encore
In his last Drew League game of the season, Ball put on a show early. In just the first half alone, he had 31 points. The fun didn’t stop there, as he went on to finish with 53 points and three rebounds.
Gelo went off for 52 POINTS at the Drew ? @LiAngeloBall @DrewLeague
— Overtime (@overtime) August 7, 2022
(via @CourtsideFilms) pic.twitter.com/dO6zZjcc4l
(Ignore the caption, he went for 53 points)
Every player has their struggles, and there were times last season when LiAngelo struggled to stay efficient from the floor. However, when he catches fire, he cannot be stopped.
One other outlier between his performances in the Drew League and G-League is the minutes he’s getting. Averaging less than ten minutes per game doesn’t help him perform to his highest level. In contrast, he’s consistently on the floor for his team (thanks to a coach that knows how to utilize him plus his dad is also on the sidelines).
A player like Gelo puts on a performance like this and isn’t on an NBA roster, but Talen Horton-Tucker is but only scores 14 points in the Drew League? Something doesn’t add up, and Horton-Tucker is on the Lakers’ roster. If anything, Ball deserves to take his spot on the team.
There is still time for NBA teams to give LiAngelo Ball a shot to be on the roster. Worst-case scenario, he remains on the Hornets and plays with their G-League team. Regardless, he continues to show that he deserves to be in the League.
In Other News
- During LiAngelo’s outstanding performance, his father LaVar Ball was ejected. Being the loud, passionate father that he is, I am not surprised. In fact, it’s a bit humorous.
LaVar Ball EJECTED during LiAngelo Ball’s 52-point eruption in the Drew League ?pic.twitter.com/BxHelwimCl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) August 7, 2022
- Lonzo Ball is similar to James Harden? That’s not something you hear every day. But…
NBA players that have averaged Lonzo Ball’s career stats since he entered the league in 2017: (11.9+PPG, 6.2+APG, 5.7+RPG, 1.6+ SPG, 0.6 BPG, 34%+3PT)
— ??????? (@stepbackZO2) August 5, 2022
1. James Harden
That’s it. These two are special in every aspect of the game ? pic.twitter.com/8yNohqhh8N
- LaMelo Ball is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023. The numbers? Let’s just say it pays to be a young star like himself
REPORT: LaMelo Ball is eligible for a five-year, $202.5M contract extension in 2023, reports @BobbyMarks42.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 4, 2022
Ball would become the first Hornets player to receive a rookie max extension under Michael Jordan. pic.twitter.com/cDNL9Ix37R
Thanks for reading! For more on the Ball Family, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Nathan on Twitter.
