Report: LaMelo Ball wins NBA Rookie of the Year originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been voted the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of Year, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Ball edged out Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Sacramento Kings guard Tyrese Haliburton despite missing 21 games due to injury.
The No. 3 overall pick played the fourth-fewest games in the award's history, tied with Kyrie Irving, who debuted in a lockout-shortened season in 2011.
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In Ball's first season he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game and consistently ranked in the top three among rookies in those categories.
Ball led all rookies in assists and gave fans spectacular passing highlights each night, unlike any rookie before him.
After coming off the bench to start the season, Ball progressed into a starting role for the Hornets. He helped Charlotte reach the postseason for the first time since 2016.
With only a season under his belt, Ball looks to become a franchise player and future superstar for the NBA for years to come.
