NBA: Biggest X-factor for all 30 teams in the 2019-20 season
New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball
Since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2017, Lonzo Ball has had a rough first two seasons in the NBA.
His weaknesses as a shooter have been well documented, but his unselfish playmaking and elite perimeter defense never seem to see the light of day, painting an ugly picture that has him closer to bust status than what reality should suggest.
There’s no denying the added pressure of playing for the Lakers, an immense burden that has now been lifted off his young shoulders. As a member of the New Orleans Pelicans, basketball is all that matters, but with his newfound freedom comes added expectations.
Lonzo’s quick feet and active hands make New Orleans’ a nightmare defensively along with Jrue Holiday. The connection he is sure to have with Zion Williamson in transition will be on nightly highlight reels.
Ball should find much more appreciation with the Pelicans for what he brings to the court, but that doesn’t excuse his flaws from falling through the cracks.
To function in the NBA, he must develop a consistent 3-point shot independent of how it may look. That much is obvious, but none of his progress will matter unless he can remedy the health issues that have significantly hampered him so far.
Over his first two seasons, Lonzo has played in only 99 out of a possible 164 games. Talent can only take one so far if they’re not able to show it on the court.
Whether it’s through added strength or extra training sessions, nothing Ball puts up in the stat-sheet will matter until he can reach the 70-game threshold.
Having finally moved on from Anthony Davis, the Pelicans are flushed with young talent across the roster. Zion Williamson is the next big thing. Brandon Ingram used the turn of the new year to reassure skeptics that his future is still worth looking forward to.
The biggest question mark for New Orleans’ is its newly acquired floor general. There’s a version of Ball that only brightens the future of Pelicans basketball.
In a year many are expected to put everything together, another injury-plagued season with a clanky jumper might simmer optimism for this team a little bit.