The Charlotte Hornets’ rising star LaMelo Ball found himself unexpectedly mentioned in a conversation about <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL quarterbacks during a recent episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” On Monday, Bill Simmons introduced his latest edition of the “NFL Quarterback Pyramid,” a ranking system for NFL starting quarterbacks, and while discussing Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, the dialogue shifted to Ball. This unexpected comparison brought LaMelo Ball Charlotte Hornets into the spotlight, reflecting on Ball’s status as a thrilling but still developing player.
Bill Simmons Draws Parallels Between LaMelo Ball and Kyler Murray
Simmons and guest Sheil Kapadia analyzed Kyler Murray’s typical NFL season pattern, describing the quarterback’s inconsistent but exciting performance. Kapadia pointed out expectations of early-season sparks and mid-season praise for Murray’s level of play, followed by an average win-loss record.
“I feel like I know how every Kyler Murray season’s gonna go,” Sheil Kapadia
“There’s gonna be some flashes in September. In October, someone’s gonna make the case that he’s playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL. There’s gonna be some fun highlights, and then you’re gonna get to the end of the season, and they’re gonna be like 9-8.” —Sheil Kapadia
Simmons likened this to LaMelo Ball’s career trajectory, highlighting Ball’s ability to produce electrifying moments while noting that the Hornets’ overall record does not yet reflect sustained winning success.
“That’s the LaMelo Ball guy out of the quarterbacks this year. You catch the right highlight package, he looks amazing. There’s gonna be a moment earlier in this season where you’re like, ‘LaMelo Ball, whoa, here we go!’ And then you look at the record at the end of the year.” —Bill Simmons
This comparison underscores Ball’s reputation as a “walking highlight reel,” but one who has yet to consistently lead his team to victories at the same level.
LaMelo Ball’s Performance Within the Charlotte Hornets’ Context
Though Simmons’ critique might feel harsh, it aligns with Ball’s actual performance and the Hornets’ record since drafting him in 2020. The franchise holds a .358 overall winning percentage during this period, and while the team performs better when Ball plays (.424 winning percentage), they struggle significantly without him (.266). Ball is the Hornets’ sole All-Star selection during this span, demonstrating his unique value to the team.
Ball has shown remarkable talent since entering the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season. His outstanding play earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award with 84 out of 99 first-place votes, outperforming Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, who received the remaining votes. Despite his youthful skills, Ball is still developing into a player capable of consistently securing wins.
Challenges and Future Prospects for Ball and the Hornets
One major hurdle in Ball’s growth has been durability; over the past three seasons, injuries limited him to an average of 35 games per year. At under 24 years old, Ball is still approaching his prime, suggesting there is time to evolve into a more consistent winner. The Hornets are aiming to support Ball’s advancement by building a strong team foundation, including the leadership of head coach Charles Lee and expectations around the 2025 NBA draft class, which holds promise for the franchise’s future.
While Simmons’ remarks might seem pointed, they highlight the current stage of LaMelo Ball’s career: a player who dazzles with highlight-worthy plays but must now translate that talent into team success. The pursuit of wins is a critical next chapter for Ball and the Hornets as they aspire to become a competitive NBA squad.