The discussion around the “LaMelo Ball NBA Overrated List” has intensified following the release of Bleacher Report’s Top 5 Most Overrated NBA Players, which featured both LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. The list, published in early August 2025, has sparked debate among fans due to the inclusion of these high-profile players, who have shown flashes of brilliance but are now facing criticism for their perceived underperformance.
Why Jaren Jackson Jr. and LaMelo Ball Are Facing Criticism
Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. and Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball have been singled out partly because of their inconsistent recent production, especially during the postseason. Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, has drawn scrutiny for his below-average rebounding, frequent foul issues, and limited ability to create shots for himself. Despite his strong defensive reputation, critics argue that his impact on the court does not fully justify his star billing or recent massive contract extension.
Jackson Jr.’s contract situation has played a large role in the backlash. Earlier this offseason, the Grizzlies agreed to a five-year, $240 million deal with him, averaging $48 million annually. While currently placing him among the Top 20 highest-paid NBA players, that ranking may decline as salaries rise throughout the league. Similar trends were seen with previous deals like Mike Conley’s 2016 contract and Jaylen Brown’s 2023 extension, which initially appeared enormous but eventually became less exceptional in the evolving salary landscape.
He is regarded as a star—and paid like a superstar—but the stat sheet doesn’t see it,
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report said of Jackson Jr.
The idea of him is fascinating, but the truth is he’s less reliable and impactful than most think,
he added. —Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball’s inclusion alongside Jackson Jr. has raised eyebrows considering his flashy playing style and status as a fan favorite, though no detailed critiques were provided in the list announcement. Both players have had their ups and downs, but their recent playoff performances have done little to silence skeptics.
Factors Behind Jackson Jr.’s Struggles
One of the key issues highlighted with Jackson Jr. is his rebounding, which he himself admits needs improvement. The forward has spoken openly about focusing more on this aspect of his game, understanding that increasing his rebound numbers is vital for his overall impact.
“(Rebounding) needs to be more of a staple of things I think about all the time… It’s on my mind, it’s on my brain.”
—Jaren Jackson Jr.
Despite this self-awareness, Jackson Jr. managed just 4.7 rebounds per game after the All-Star break last season, a modest figure given his role and size. Complicating matters, his tendency to accumulate fouls has limited his playing time and effectiveness at critical moments, especially in playoff games. Moreover, his offensive contributions beyond scoring remain limited, raising questions about his ability to carry a bigger load for the Grizzlies following the departure of key teammate Desmond Bane.
Challenges Ahead For Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies
With Desmond Bane no longer on the roster, Memphis will look to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant to shoulder more offensive responsibilities in the upcoming seasons. Jackson Jr. will need to elevate his consistency and productivity to justify his lucrative contract and meet the expectations of fans and the organization alike.
The pressure is mounting for Jackson Jr. to translate his defensive accolades and physical gifts into greater reliability and impact on both ends of the floor. How he handles this challenge will be critical for the Grizzlies’ aspirations, as the team looks to remain competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Fan Reactions and the Wider NBA Overrated Debate
The labeling of Jackson Jr. and LaMelo Ball as overrated reflects a broader controversy in the NBA regarding how players are evaluated. Recency bias often inflates the status of athletes with standout playoff performances, such as Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Williams, while others with less recent success face harsher criticism. This cycle of hype and backlash contributes to heightened fan tensions, especially when contracts and star expectations are involved.
Fans also reacted strongly to the full list, which included Tyler Herro, Austin Reaves, and De’Aaron Fox alongside Ball and Jackson Jr. The conversations highlight how subjective player evaluations can be and underscore the complexity of judging NBA talent fairly in a constantly changing league landscape.
Bleacher Report Top 5 Overrated NBA Players: 1. LaMelo Ball 2. Tyler Herro 3. Jaren Jackson Jr. 4. Austin Reaves 5. De’Aaron Fox (h/t @TheHoopsAlerts)
—Fullcourtpass Twitter Account
With this list fueling debate, the performances of LaMelo Ball and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the 2025-26 season will be closely scrutinized as they seek to silence critics and prove that they deserve their star designations and sizable contracts.