Melo Ball is one of the league's most polarizing stars. While his talent and marketability are undeniable, his reputation isn't all that pristine. Some even think he is overrated, with Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report even calling the Charlotte Hornets' cornerstone the most overrated player in the league.
For the record, I strongly disagree with that viewpoint. Sure, Ball put up an exorbitantly high volume of field-goal attempts (21.3 per game) on inefficient shooting (40.5 percent), and his assist-to-turnover ratio (2.07) could be a lot better, given that he's a point guard. However, he was merely a victim of circumstance.
Injuries to himself and other key Hornets players had Ball sometimes playing like a one-man team. It is becoming clearer that he isn't suited for that role. He appears to thrive more when surrounded by capable players, as such an environment would let his playmaking abilities shine.
So, should we fault Ball for his struggles that may not be his own doing? Ideally, we shouldn't. He should at least get the chance first to lead a squad that legitimately looks like a real NBA team.
LaMelo Ball has to play with a chip on his shoulder
Perhaps the 2021 Rookie of the Year can use the slight as additional motivation to prove people wrong. He doesn't need to look far to see how to do that, as fellow Eastern Conference star Tyrese Haliburton had to deal with something similar last season.
In an anonymous survey of players last season, the Indiana Pacers star was voted the most overrated. Interestingly, only one out of 90 respondents answered Ball for that question, highlighting how differently he his perceived by the media and his peers.
Still, the survey turned out to be a godsend for Haliburton, as it even became his mantra while he led the Pacers to the 2025 Finals.
Ball and the Hornets probably won't make it that far in the next few years, but a rise in the standings should help him shed off any overrated tag. He is about to play with the deepest roster he has been around, albeit with some holes, particularly at the frontcourt.
There's no reason the team can't significantly improve on last year's 19-63 record. If no improvement is seen, then it would be tough for Ball to get rid of the overrated tag. Even the idea that the Hornets should build the franchise around him would be put into question even more.