The G-League draft won't be graced with the presence of LiAngelo Ball after all.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and STADIUM reported on Friday that Ball has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Charlotte Hornets, clearing the way for him to play the 2021-22 season in Greensboro with the team's G-League affiliate.
Sources: The Charlotte Hornets have signed LiAngelo Ball to a non-guaranteed contract and Ball will play for the team's G League Greensboro Swarm. Ball was slated to enter the G League Draft but signing allows Charlotte to acquire his rights. https://t.co/YpkouKLWAs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 14, 2021
The Hornets later confirmed the deal, but didn't disclose its terms.
OFFICIAL: We have signed forward LiAngelo Ball.
🔗: https://t.co/xcXfiZnYb3 pic.twitter.com/hvLTivnQCH
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) October 14, 2021
Ball had previously planned to enter the G-League draft. He played for Charlotte at Las Vegas Summer League, emerging as a fan favorite due to his famous family and penchant for timely three-pointers despite an underwhelming overall level of play. Ball averaged 9.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game for the summer Hornets, shooting 37.5 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Undrafted in 2018, Ball originally signed with the G-League's Oklahoma City Blue for the 2019-20 season. He never suited up for the Blue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was released by the Detroit Pistons before last season after training camp.
Ball's younger brother, LaMelo, won Rookie of the Year last season in Charlotte. Their older brother, Lonzo, was traded to the Chicago Bulls in August. Name recognition be damned, it would be surprising if the middle Ball ever joined his brothers on an NBA roster. His presence will surely be felt in the G-League regardless.
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