Hawks coach banks on Ball

ILLAWARRA Hawks owner Simon Stratford has shot down conspiracy theories surrounding US superstar LaMelo Ball, declaring he will finish the NBL season despite suffering a foot injury.

Question marks over Ball’s future in the NBL were raised when the Hawks confirmed the star import looks set to miss up to a month.

This news sparked speculation that the potential No.1 pick could leave early and return to America to prepare for the 2020 NBA draft.

But Stratford said Ball would continue his development with the Hawks, where he recorded back-to-back triple-doubles before his injury.

“He is committed to the Hawks for the rest of the season,” Stratford said of Ball.

“He or his camp haven’t said anything different regarding his commitment to his teammates.

“I would be very surprised if they leave early as all he wants to do is play basketball to get better and stronger.”

However, two NBL legends have cast doubt over the severity over the foot injury that could end Ball’s exciting Australian stint.

Speaking on News Corp’s The Basketball Show, Australian basketball royalty Shane Heal said the injury was a smokescreen.

Ball missed the Hawks’ 10point loss to Brisbane over the weekend and has now been ruled out until January, but Heal — and co-host, former Sydney Kings star turned commentator Steve Carfino — believes it is purely down to his improved prospects of taking the No.1 pick in next year’s NBA draft. “He came here, outside the top five, and week by week we watched him flourish and continue to get better and better,” Heal said. “Now he’s said he’s injured. Is he injured? I’m not sure.”

Carfino agreed that the 18year-old’s injury is far less serious than being portrayed, but both felt it was the right decision for Ball, who is being touted as a No.1 pick.