New on Sports Illustrated: Report: Hornets' LaMelo Ball Voted Rookie of the Year

LaMelo Ball, the Hornets' No. 3 pick, averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game in 51 contests.

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Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball has been voted the league's Rookie of the Year, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. 

The rising star beat out Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards and Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton for the honor. 

Ball, who was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by Charlotte, 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.

Compared to others in his draft class, Ball's journey to the NBA was relatively unconventional. Back in 2013, he verbally committed to play for UCLA, expected to follow in the footsteps of his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo, but he later bypassed college basketball entirely due to eligibility concerns.

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.

Upon getting drafted, LaMelo, and older brother Lonzo, made NBA history as the first set of brothers to be selected in the top 3. 

Heading into next season, Ball will look to improve on his play and guide the Hornets to their first playoff appearance since 2015-16.

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