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Which point guard tier is Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball in?

By James Mastrucci

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The placement of Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball on the tiers of NBA point guards will always be a controversial one. On one hand, Ball has displayed the elite level of offensive playmaking abilities that were expected of him coming into the league. On the other, it is his defense and efficiency that sees him on the edge of two tiers put together by Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz.

Ball checks in at 14th overall, right at the beginning of the Tier 2 group of point guards, just ahead of Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday and Cleveland’s Darius Garland. Saenz states these players are of All-Star talent or have the potential to be an All-Star caliber player, also noting that “All these point guards are proven and are on the path toward stardom, if not already there.“. As far as Ball is concerned, Saenz admits some could argue he does not belong in this tier and he may not ever make an All-Star team while noting he has the potential to do so.

"“Ball still has to make strides on the defensive end of the floor and needs to be better when it comes to shot selection, but Ball has the tools and talent to be an All-Star caliber player in the Association. The big question is whether he’ll get there. However, if he can remain healthy, don’t be surprised if it does happen this season.”"

The concerns about his defense and overall efficiency have been mentioned time and time again, but for good reason. Ball’s defensive efforts are questionable at best on a fairly regular basis, and his efficiency took a massive dip last season. Although an injury-depleted roster could be to blame for that, seeing him improve next season would quell those concerns about his ability to be a more efficient player.

Being on the tail end of Tier 2 seems about right for LaMelo at this point in his career. Flashes of brilliance combined with inexperience and unrealized potential, Ball can find his way to that next tier in time, but for now, that second tier is the perfect placement for the young Hornets guard.

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