Charlotte Hornets rookie point guard LaMelo Ball might not actually be done for the season. Ball just underwent surgery on his fractured right wrist and will be reevaluated in four weeks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Ball was initially expected to miss the rest of the season, but this timetable leaves the door open for a return. The Hornets rookie suffered the injury against the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend.

The 19-year-old was looking like the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year before this injury. LaMelo Ball is averaging 15.9 points, 6.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 45.1% from the field and 37.5% from 3 for an upstart Hornets team. His dynamic playmaking and better-than-expected outside shooting are a key dimension of Charlotte's attack after he was made the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

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The Hornets are the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 21-21 record. In the first game since the injury, Charlotte pulled out a 100-97 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, ending a three-game losing streak. The club does have depth in the backcourt to withstand Ball's absence, with last season's starting backcourt of Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham currently in place. Gordon Hayward's presence also helps, while Malik Monk is a scorer off the bench.

It would be great to see LaMelo Ball return to the lineup for a playoff run and to help cement his place as the Rookie of the Year. Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Anthony Edwards and Sacramento Kings youngster Tyrese Haliburton are the other top candidates for the award.