Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball ends season with a career-high 23.9 points per game average due to a right ankle injury.

Ball's ankle problems persist, affecting his play for the second straight year; he's been limited to 22 games this season.

The Hornets are out of playoff contention and face an eight-season playoff drought, the longest in the NBA.

With LaMelo Ball's recurring injuries, the Hornets might need to shift their team-building focus to rookie Brandon Miller.