LaMelo Ball coming back as soon as he did — heck, coming back at all — was a boost for the Charlotte Hornets and to his already strong candidacy for the 2020-21 Kia Rookie of the Year Award.
The way in which he came back, though, surpassed surprising and veered into stunning.
Six weeks after it appeared his rookie season might be done, Ball returned to action for Charlotte against Detroit Saturday and put up 11 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal in 28 minutes. Little apparent rust, no noticeable stamina issues and a recharged Hornets transition game (23 fast-break points) in the victory.