The Charlotte Hornets had plans to sign LiAngelo Ball to their G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Now, the Charlotte Observer reports that the Hornets no longer have the rights to Ball because of a “procedural issue.”
Roderick Boone reports: “Because Ball inked a G League contract prior to the Hornets’ signing, he’s been placed in the overall draft pool. He could still wind up with the Swarm, but it would be via the draft instead.”
Turns out the #Hornets do not have LiAngelo Ball’s G League rights after all due to a procedural issue, source confirms. So he’s eligible to be selected by any G League team in tomorrow’s draft. He can still be drafted by Greensboro and could wind up with the Swarm.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) October 22, 2021
The Hornets originally signed Ball to a non-guaranteed contract the previous week only to waive him to retain his rights and send him to suit up for the Greensboro Swarm. Ball can be still be drafted by the Swarm, who have three first-round picks at 14, 23 and 26.
Ball played for the Hornets in summer league, averaging 9.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in five appearances.
That was Ball’s first real chance to play a game with an NBA team. His tenures with the Oklahoma City Thunder G League affiliate and Detroit Pistons training camp were short with no game time.
The 2021 G League draft is scheduled Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. The Philadelphia 76ers G-League affiliate, Delaware Blue Coats have the No. 1 overall pick.
