The Charlotte Hornets spent the summer overhauling a roster that had hit rock bottom. From smart draft picks to shrewd free-agent signings, the front office took clear steps toward making the team relevant again. But perception can be stubborn — and two recent polls suggest the Hornets still have an image problem.
Fans and analysts tagged guard LaMelo Ball and forward Miles Bridges, the players expected to lead this turnaround, as “overrated.” One survey ranked Ball among the NBA’s top five overrated players alongside names like De’Aaron Fox and Jaren Jackson Jr. Another poll crowned Bridges the most overrated player since 2020.
For a team banking on these two to drive success, the verdict stings. But is it fair? Let’s take a closer look.
Stats vs. Substance: Evaluating LaMelo Ball’s Impact
On paper, Ball hardly looks overrated. Last season, he averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists — elite production for any guard. Yet a deeper look suggests his impact may not match the hype.
In 2025, Ball posted a career-low 53.6% true shooting percentage, the fifth-worst mark among 162 players to average at least 25 points in a season since 2010. Combine that with streaky shooting and ongoing durability concerns — just 69 games played over the past two years — and the case for skepticism grows stronger.
Defensively, Ball has yet to make a significant leap. His length and quick hands create occasional steals, but he often loses focus off the ball, and quicker guards exploit him. For a player expected to be the franchise cornerstone, these lapses — combined with his availability issues — raise questions about whether his high-volume scoring translates to consistent, winning basketball.
The Reality of Bridges’ Game
Bridges’ scoring potential appears impressive, but closer inspection reveals it’s less complete than it initially seems. He can explode for big nights, but his production often fluctuates depending on the matchup and game flow.
In 2024-25, Bridges averaged 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists — solid numbers for a forward — but his efficiency was inconsistent. His 54.1% true shooting percentage ranked below league average for his position, and he often relied heavily on isolation scoring rather than creating offense within the flow of the game.
Defensively, Bridges brings athleticism and energy but has yet to develop into a consistent stopper. Opponents shot above their season average when guarded by him last year, and his off-ball defense remains a weak point.
Stats, Perception, and Potential: Do the Labels Stick?
Labeling players as “overrated” is tricky because it often blurs the line between performance, perception, and expectation. In the cases of Ball and Bridges, the criticism isn’t entirely without basis. Both players have statistical and situational red flags — Ball’s efficiency and availability, Bridges’ streaky scoring and defensive lapses — that fuel the narrative.
However, context matters. Ball is turning 24 years old and has already established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers when healthy. Bridges, meanwhile, is just entering his prime and has shown flashes of being a versatile two-way forward. The Hornets’ recent struggles have magnified their flaws, but on a winning team with a deeper supporting cast, their strengths could be far more visible than their weaknesses.
In Conclusion
The “overrated” tag is more than just a label — it’s a challenge. For LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, the upcoming season is their chance to flip the narrative, silence critics, and prove they’re more than just stat-sheet stars. The Hornets’ future hinges on whether their two cornerstones can stay healthy, sharpen their games, and turn potential into playoff wins. Anything less, and the perception won’t change — it will harden.
