LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets was named the NBA’s most overrated player in a recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, sparking debate over his true impact on the court. While Ball’s electrifying style and impressive statistics draw attention, questions remain about his efficiency and contributions to winning basketball during the latest NBA season.
Five Overrated NBA Players Highlighted, With Ball Leading the List
Alongside Ball, the list of five most overrated players included De’Aaron Fox, Austin Reaves, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Tyler Herro. Although other high-profile athletes like Scottie Barnes, Ja Morant, and Domantas Sabonis earned dishonorable mentions, Ball was singled out as the top name. This identification follows a precedent where Tyrese Haliburton was once deemed overrated by his peers before proving his worth with an outstanding playoff performance.
Balancing Flashy Skills Against Questionable Impact
Buckley acknowledged that Ball is among the most entertaining players to watch, praising his exceptional shooting range and creative passing skills. Despite routinely filling the stat sheet, critics argue his game features “more sizzle than actual substance,” suggesting his contributions might be overstated relative to his overall efficiency and impact on team success.
Maybe that’s the byproduct of playing on some bad teams in Buzz City, but he has enough box-score blemishes to question his ability to contribute to winning basketball,
Buckley said.
He draws almost mythical praise as this offensive savant, but the numbers don’t buy it.
—Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report Analyst
Statistical Shortcomings Undermine Ball’s Offensive Value
Despite averaging 25.2 points per game last season, Ball posted a career-low true shooting percentage of 53.6%, which ranks among the least efficient high-volume scorers since 2010. His assist-to-turnover ratio also raises concerns, as he commits costly mistakes even while displaying innovative playmaking abilities. Defensively, Ball’s struggles have persisted throughout his career, further impacting his overall value.
Health issues have limited his availability, as he has only played 51 or more games in a single season once. Over the past three years, Ball’s court time has been less than that of Zion Williamson, whose presence on the floor has translated into more impactful performance metrics.
At least when Williamson suits up, great things tend to happen (25.1 career PER, 24.2 win shares),
Buckley commented.
And unless we’re talking viral views or social media impressions, the same just can’t be said of Ball (18.9 and 13.6, respectively). He might be regarded as a star in stature, but in terms of statistical value, his name recognition carries a lot more weight than his actual numbers.
—Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report Analyst
Charlotte Hornets Working to Build Support Around Ball
Despite the criticism, the Hornets maintain confidence in Ball’s abilities and have started to design an offense centered on his talents, aiming to share the scoring load more effectively and improve spacing on the floor. Ball has consistently ranked among the league leaders in missed assists, which hampers his overall assist numbers because teammates have difficulty converting the open shots he creates.
Moreover, Ball’s shot selection has long been subject to scrutiny, with low shooting percentages reflecting this issue. For the 2024-25 season, the Hornets rarely had other suitable offensive options, placing the burden largely on Ball’s shoulders. However, changes in team personnel or strategy could reduce his overrated label in the near future if he adapts accordingly.
The Significance of Ball’s Overrated Status Moving Forward
LaMelo Ball’s designation as the most overrated player highlights tensions between fan expectations, media hype, and tangible impact within the NBA. His youthful talent and highlight-worthy performances contrast with inefficiencies and durability concerns that complicate his trajectory. As the Hornets continue to develop their roster and refine their approach, Ball’s ability to solidify his standing will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is LaMelo Ball 6 7 or 6 8?
A. The “6-7” TikTok trend is built around the drill rap song “Doot Doot” by Skrilla. This track became popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels because of its repeating line, “6-7.” Some people think this phrase might refer to 67th Street in Chicago, possibly relating to Skrilla’s history or connections.