Chandler Parsons reveals the harsh NBA reality of LaMelo Ball

The The Charlotte Hornets are aiming to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season. All eyes are on LaMelo Ball to lead a young roster to a successful season, as the front office has acquired several intriguing long-term options over the past few years. However, the former NBA player became an analyst Chandler Parsons dropped a not so desirable attitude about Ball and his team.

In the latest episode of “Run it Back,” brought to you by FanDuel, Parsons argues that the 24-year-old Ball is ultimately a fun player to watch in the league. However, Parsons does not believe that LaMelo Ball is a top five point guard in the NBA and doesn’t see the Hornets having a successful year.

“And a guy like him will never fully get the flowers he deserves until he wins,” Parsons said of Ball. “And (the Hornets) aren’t even close to winning. That’s the problem. … He’s got to watch TV and nobody’s watching. That’s the problem with the Charlotte Hornets. … But he’s not the best point guard, and they’re going to be a bottom five team. So it’s hard to get accolades when you’re not winning the respect and the respect.”

“(LaMelo) is not a top-5 point guard and (the Hornets) will be a top-5 team.

Chandler Parsons on LaMelo Ball and Charlotte 👀

(via @RunItBackFDTV )pic.twitter.com/EtLIjAf7bD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 24, 2025

LaMelo Ball is in his sixth season in the league and has yet to make the playoffs. However, he was a bright spot on the team, averaging 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game over his career. He also owns a 42.1% career field goal percentage while shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc.

While Chandler Parsons doesn’t see that for the Hornets right now, Charlotte has plenty of reasons to be optimistic. As Parsons pointed out, Ball is an exciting player to watch and has the ability to pad the stat sheet. If guys like Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges step up, while rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner flash potential, Hornets sure could make some noise in the last half of the season.

After a 136-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the season opener, LaMelo Ball and the Hornets are ready to face the Philadelphia 76ers. That game starts at 7:30pm EST on Saturday.