Guard LaMelo Ball’s spectacular first NBA campaign with the Charlotte Hornets was finally officially capped off in award-winning fashion on Wednesday evening as he became just the third player in franchise history to garner Rookie of the Year honors.
Across 51 total appearances this season – 31 of which were starts – Ball averaged 15.7 points on 43.6% shooting, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.6 steals, while weathering a midseason right wrist fracture. Per Basketball Reference, he became just the seventh rookie in NBA history to record this particular 15/5/6/1 statline, joining a list that includes names like Magic Johnson, Penny Hardaway, Chris Paul and Ben Simmons.