Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball has been voted the league’s Rookie of the Year, beating out Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards and Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton for the honor.
Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by Charlotte, Ball averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game in 51 contests. He overcame a wrist injury late in the season, and helped Charlotte secure a play-in tournament spot. LaMelo spent the 2019-20 season with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL Australia League, but his season was cut short due to injury. Still, the 6’7″ guard averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 12 games, earning NBL Rookie of the Year honors. LaMelo, and older brother Lonzo, made NBA history as the first set of brothers to be selected in the top 3.