Bleacher Report recently released its list of the most overrated NBA players right now, and one name is notably missing — LaMelo Ball. The Charlotte Hornets star ranked first in the offseason edition, but it has become clear that more people outside Charlotte have finally realized how valuable he really is.
The perception around Ball was so polarizing that even Hornets fans were divided on whether the team should continue building around him. We all know the narrative that many had believed before: His ceiling may be tantalizing, but he is just too unserious a player, and his impact on winning is questionable.
With over two-thirds of the 2025-26 regular season complete, it has become clear that it was injuries that had been holding Ball back. Now that he is relatively healthy and Charlotte has found a way to keep him in optimal health, he has proven to be more than a capable franchise player.
Discarding the “overrated” tag
Of course, the Hornets’ surge is a product of various factors. Kon Knueppel’s arrival has helped shift the organization's culture. Brandon Miller has once again shown flashes of his potential to be an unstoppable offensive force while also holding his own on defense. Moussa Diabate has turned into a plus/minus darling, equipping the squad with a sturdy anchor on both ends of the floor. Miles Bridges has unexpectedly served as a glue guy, providing the starting lineup with the needed stability. The reserves have also had their moments in the spotlight.
However, it’s tough not to concur with the notion that Ball has arguably been the Hornets’ most important player this season. Most of their lineup combinations with the best net ratings feature the 2022 All-Star, underscoring how key he is to elevating his teammates' production and efficiency.
The chatter around Ball has also changed for the better at long last. Plenty of the pundits who had thought negatively of him cannot stop singing his praises now. Those who had faith that he would eventually figure things out cannot help but boast about being right all along.
Ball’s absence from the Bleacher Report’s most overrated list, which is headlined by Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, and Zach LaVine, is further proof that the star point guard is finally getting the recognition that he has long deserved.
Hopefully, the Hornets can continue building on the momentum that Melo has helped catalyze. Many seem to agree that the club has already locked a postseason spot. However, a playoff berth also appears to be within reach. If he can lead his crew to that stage, we should expect the media to not just avoid calling him overrated but also view him more positively in player rankings.