The Charlotte Hornets are 4-9 and showing no evidence of being a playoff team now or in the immediate future, despite having a young core of players that, on paper, looks like a potential nucleus of a future contender.

LaMelo Ball has missed a few games. But he is officially probable on the NBA Cup injury report against the Bucks. Will he play tonight?

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has already missed five out of 11 games so far this season, but he’s shown why he was a top-three draft pick when he has played. The 24-year-old is averaging 23.3 points on 43 percent shooting (33.3 percent 3-point) with 7.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists over 33.3 minutes a night thus far.

Before the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball told Minnesota, which held the top pick, he aspired to be U.S. president when his playing days were done.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture on Tuesday night.