Many fans were baffled to see ESPN rank Anthony Davis at number 14, a rank lower than Evan Mobley, in the top 100 players ranking going into the 2025-2026 season and a lot of analysts say that Alperen Sengun should be higher than being at 25 after an excellent breakout year and all his efforts in the EuroBasket this summer. However, one thing that surprises everyone is how criminally underrated Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is heading to next season.
LaMelo Ball at 63: Just Right or Flat Out Wrong?
In ESPN’s latest list for the top 100 players before the 2025-2026 season starts, one name caught a lot of people’s attention, not because he doesn’t deserve to be on the list, but because of how ridiculous he was rated. LaMelo Ball was balling in the 2024-2025 season, but despite 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game averages, the 1-time All-Star was still put by ESPN at number 63. Yes, it is that far.
However, what makes it outrageous is that a 35-year-old Paul George who made more podcast appearances than games played, was ranked 54th while Cooper Flagg, a guy who hasn’t even stepped foot in the league yet, is now ranked 52nd. Although he is still in his way to recovery after two major surgeries in the offseason, LaMelo Ball is still one of the top guards in the NBA right now. He may not be in his best form at the start of the season and probably would still not make the playoffs, at least he’s still holding on to that superstar potential he always had.
Do you think LaMelo is ranked correctly or is this another case of the media being heavily biased against small market teams?
