Coach Steve Clifford said Monday that he expects Ball (ankle) to be ready in time for training camp, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be a relief for Charlotte fans, as Ball's ankle robbed him of the majority of his 2023-24 season. He made only 22 appearances, averaging 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 three-pointers and 1.8 steals in 32.3 minutes. Ball told reporters that his ankle is feeling better, and he's looking forward to having the full offseason to prepare for 2024-25.

The Hornets announced Thursday that Ball (ankle) will miss the remainder of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Ball hasn't played since Jan. 26 due to an injury the Hornets initially labeled as right ankle soreness before eventually updating his diagnosis as right ankle tendinopathy. Though head coach Steve Clifford suggested earlier this month that Ball was doing more work on the court, the Hornets weren't willing to put a timeline on his return to the court. Ultimately, Ball didn't demonstrate enough progress in his recovery from the right ankle injury to make it back for the final two-plus weeks of the season and will be shut down for the remainder of the campaign as he turns his focus to further rehab. Ball has now played just 58 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, but he was productive during his time on the court when healthy in 2023-24, as he averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 three-pointers and 1.8 steals in 32.3 minutes per game over his 22 appearances. Provided he doesn't require any offseason procedures on his right ankle, Ball should be fully healed ahead of training camp in the fall.

Ball (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Ball will miss his 29th straight game Wednesday while dealing with a left ankle injury. There is no indication that the 22-year-old guard is close to returning to action.

Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

Ball hasn't suited up since late January due to his ankle issue and doesn't yet have a timetable to return. It's unclear whether he'll be back on the court before the end of the regular season.

Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hawks.

EDGE Analysis

Ball continues to miss time due to right ankle tendinitis, and it's unclear if he'll suit up again this season despite positive reports about his participation in practice at the beginning of March. Vasilije Micic and Tre Mann should continue to lead Charlotte's backcourt in Ball's absence.

Ball (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Magic.

EDGE Analysis

Ball has not played since Jan. 26 due to right ankle tendinitis. There were positive updates about his participation in practice at the beginning of March, but it's unclear if the Hornets, who are out of the playoff picture, will rush him back before the end of the regular season.

Ball (ankle) is out for Saturday's game versus the 76ers.

EDGE Analysis

Ball's absence streak will extend to 25 games Saturday due to a right ankle injury. It is unclear when the star point guard will return to action.

Ball (ankle) won't play in Friday's game versus the Suns, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ball is set to miss his 24th straight game Friday due to a right ankle injury. With Ball having no return timetable, Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic will likely continue to start in Charlotte's backcourt.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said Monday in an interview with "The Wes & Walker Show" of 102.5 The Block Charlotte that Ball (ankle) is "doing more and more" work on the court but remains without a clear timeline to return to game action, Schuyler Callihan of SI.com reports. "He had a good workout [Monday], and did some live," Clifford said of Ball. "I feel like he's getting closer but not quite there yet."

EDGE Analysis

While Clifford's comments offer encouragement that Ball hasn't been shut down from activity as he recovers from right ankle tendinopathy, the lack of clarity regarding when the star point guard might resume playing in games has made it increasingly difficult for managers in redraft leagues to continue holding him. Considering that the Hornets are well out of playoff contention, the team is likely to continue exercising extreme caution with Ball, who may be subject to a minute restriction if and when he eventually makes his return to the lineup. Ball hasn't played since Jan. 26 due to the injury.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said Thursday that Ball (ankle) hasn't progressed any further in his recovery and doesn't feel healthy enough to play, James Plowright of SI.com reports. "He's doing the same stuff now he was doing two weeks ago. He does whatever they [the Hornets' medical team] allow him to do," Clifford said. "He wants to be back, but again he doesn't feel healthy enough or comfortable enough to play...I know he wants to get back, there's just a lot of factors."

EDGE Analysis

Ball hasn't played since Jan. 26 due to right ankle tendinopathy. While the 22-year-old guard began to participate in on-court work over the All-Star break, the Hornets haven't provided any indication that he's bound for an immediate return. Until the Hornets release a firm timetable for Ball to return to the court, Tre Mann will likely continue to start at point guard.