Detroit Pistons: 4 reason to make a trade for Lonzo Ball

Rebounding and Defense

Given his elite size and length, Lonzo Ball is a top tier rebounder and defender for a guard. This season he averaged 6.1 rebounds per game, which would rank him 11th among all guards in the league.

Last season, when he was bashed for his play with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 5.3 rebounds per game (10th among guards). Most impressive is his rookie season where he averaged 6.9 rebounds per game, good for fourth among guards in the league.

Despite what some misguided NBA award voters would tell you, this is not a case for rebounding prowess making someone an elite defensive player but the extra possessions Ball creates through effort and size should not be discounted. He also has quick hands, averaging 1.6 steals per game for his career and has ranked 11th, 16th and 17th among guards in his three seasons, respectively.

Ball was 26th in the league in defensive rating among players who played at least 30 minutes per game. For a Detroit team that struggled on the defensive end of the court, the fact that he did this well says something. He brings something on that end of the court that can transcend his teammates and pairing him with the likes of Bruce Brown Jr. could prove devastating for opposing backcourts.