Just one day prior to the commencement of the franchise’s 2022-23 training camp, the Charlotte Hornets decided to pick up a last-minute athlete to assist in the upcoming season. 23-year-old LiAngelo Ball will formally join his brother, Lamelo Ball, in Charlotte, North Carolina in hopes of working together as a well-oiled machine to take over the remainder of the league. Officially announced to the NBA community this past Monday, September 26, 2022, the Hornets made clear to the young talent that his contract consists of a simple 1-year non-guaranteed deal that can be reevaluated at any point throughout the season.
This announcement marks the confirmation of the Ball brother’s father, Lavar Ball, 2017 prediction that all three sons will be in the league at the same time – Lonzo was picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers (2017), LaMelo was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets (2020), and finally, LiAngelo has joined his family by signing with the Hornets (2022). Gelo previously had a spot on the Charlotte roster back in October 2021, before being waived the very next day due to “a formality in his G-League rights,” according to official NBA documents. The middle child most recently played for the Hornets’ G-League squad, the Greensboro Swarm, averaging 5.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, and started six times throughout his well-played 36 games.