Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Why the team will go over the Vegas win total

By Steven Balkos

METAIRIE, LA - JULY 16: Derrick Favors #22, Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #3, and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo at the introductory press conference on July 16, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
METAIRIE, LA - JULY 16: Derrick Favors #22, Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #3, and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo at the introductory press conference on July 16, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images /
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(Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
(Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images /

Lonzo Ball – A New Beginning

When Lonzo Ball was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, expectations for the young kid out of UCLA were soaring over the Hollywood Hills. Unfortunately for Ball, injuries and missteps in business decisions along the way have had the young Point Guard underperforming after his first two seasons. The 21-year old is averaging 10 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists over his short NBA career, although he had a dip in points, rebounds, assists, steals last season eventually leading to the Lakers parting ways with the guard in the Anthony Davis trade package.

The Pelicans on the other hand, see Lonzo as a potential franchise changing combo-guard who can distribute the ball, rebound at a very high percentage for a guard as well as create for himself offensively when he can. Lonzo has been mainly credited for his defense in his first two seasons and his 3-point shot did improve incrementally last season as well. With Ball becoming a Restricted Free-Agent in the summer of 2021, the Pelicans will have two years to gauge whether keeping Lonzo around long-term is the route, however making the type of trade they did involving their former Superstar Anthony Davis displays the confidence and promise the Pelicans have for the young guard.

Ball will be making approximately $8.72 million this season and can be offered a qualifying offer of approximately $14.36 million in the summer of 2021 which is a bargain in today’s NBA market. If Lonzo can continue to improve his shooting, stay healthy and be a beneficiary of Alvin Gentry’s run and gun system he could be primed for a career season. This Pelicans team has front court depth, three-point shooting, athleticism and speed which will only play into Lonzo’s strengths and allow more opportunity for assists. Playing alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt could have the Pelicans labelled as one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA, and if you can get an offensive burst from both as well this team will be competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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