New Orleans Pelicans show flashes, but can’t finish; 3 takeaways

1. Lonzo Ball’s re-invented shot will be just fine

Much was made during training camp and the preseason about the work New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Fred Vinson had done with newly acquired point guard Lonzo Ball, acquired as part of the massive trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.

If one were to just look at the box score and see that Ball was 2-for-7 on Tuesday night in Toronto, the inclination might be to discount the progress the third-year guard has made.

That 2-for-7 night included hitting 2-of-3 from 3-point range and he also calmly and coolly dropped in both free throws he attempted. In 25 minutes, Ball finished with eight points, five rebounds and five assists, while turning the ball over just once.

What was most impressive about Ball’s shooting was the confidence. There was no hesitation on the catch-and-shoot opportunities he had. Ball got the orange and went up if he was open.

Where he had some difficulty was in the midrange, where he was 0-for-3, while he also missed his only attempt at the rim.

The free throw shooting was much improved. A career 43.7 percent foul shooter (that is not a typo, Ball was 52-for-119 over his two seasons in Los Angeles), Ball easily knocked down both of his free throws Tuesday night.

If Ball continues to be rock solid at the line, it opens up an array of new possibilities for him, everything from having the freedom to take the ball to the rim and welcome contact to being able to be used in end-game situations to close out games.