New Orleans Pelicans: 3 keys to preseason-opening victory over Hawks
By Willie Lutz
Lonzo Ball, the starting point guard
Surprising some with a draw in the starting lineup over 14-year veteran J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball looked like a natural fit in Alvin Gentry’s offense.
Appearing in 25 minutes, Ball struggled a bit from the floor, but scored 9 points on 3-of-10 shooting, 3-of-8 from three-point range.
Ball also finished with 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and a block. Working hard on both ends of the floor, the young guard looked really solid with the team’s starting five, linking with Zion and Brandon Ingram on a few really great passes.
While it wasn’t a perfect shooting night from the 21-year-old point guard, it was a promising night from him, showcasing offensive progression and continuing defensive consistency.
The offense moved really well through the shared ballhandling of Ball and Jrue Holiday. The two looked comfortable sharing the rock and kept the ball moving at a very high pace, a pace that turned overwhelming for Atlanta as soon as they called to their bench.
One of the most exciting transgressions of the offseason has been the redevelopment of Lonzo Ball’s jump shot. The previously hitchy and off-to-the-side look has been correct to a silky smooth, over-the-head stroke.
What we didn’t see is Lonzo’s interplay with rookie center Jaxson Hayes, who played just 5 minutes in the preseason opener with a lingering injury. He’s explosive around the rim and watching Ball feed him lobs in the paint will be good for highlight reels.