Unique Skills for the NBA
The Passing
When California point guard Ball entered the league he was compared to everyone from Magic Johnson to Pete Maravich, but the most accurate comp is to fellow Californian Kidd.
Both have plus size for the position and are able to guard everyone from point guards to small forwards, though Ball is a bit taller at 6-foot-6. Both Kidd and Ball showcase uncanny floor vision, often passing the ball to a spot where they know a player will eventually be.
Kidd was known for his no-look lobs and full-court outlet passes, two things that Ball has already mastered in his short time in the league, such as this beauty to the streaking Zion Williamson.
ZO AND ZION PUTTING ON A SHOW pic.twitter.com/wCOd2u2ELh
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 26, 2020
The Shot
Like Kidd, Ball struggles with his shot at times, but also like Kidd, he is getting better. Kidd shot a miserable 27.2 percent from 3-point range as a rookie, while Ball was only slightly better at 30.5 percent in his first year in the league. Kidd put in the hours in the gym and was able to turn himself in a career 34.9 percent 3-point shooter, after having several years of shooting over 40 percent from behind the arc.
Ball has also put in the time to improve his shot, and is now up to 36.6 percent from long range. Like Kidd, Ball came into the league with flawed shooting mechanics that he was able to change through time and hard work. If you compare his early jumper to the one he has now, it looks like a different player.
Ball’s jumper looks silky smooth compared to when he entered the league and he’s now doing this with regularity.
Lonzo kicking off the second half from distance! pic.twitter.com/nNUoro5s2U
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 26, 2020
The Defense
Kidd was a four-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive first team, and though Ball has not gotten there yet, he has already flashed the defensive versatility to get him there. Kidd averaged 2.2 steals at age 22, and Ball isn’t far behind, averaging 1.5 steals a game for his young career.
It’s not just about the steals. Kidd was a savvy team defender who always seemed to be in the right place to get a deflection or disrupt the offense. Ball also has the knack for being in the right place at the right time and does the little things to slow down the other team.
Kidd and Ball both have size for their position and can guard bigger opponents. Kidd was certainly stronger, especially early in his career, but Ball has the chance to continue to add strength and it’s not hard to imagine him locking down small forwards at some point in the future.
The Triple-Doubles
Like Kidd, Ball is a gifted rebounder, which makes him a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor. Kidd was able to record an astounding 107 triple-doubles in his storied career, a mark that will be hard for anyone to reach.
Ball has just six triple-doubles in his early career, but was once the youngest since LeBron James to do it, and is averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 assists and 6.1 rebounds, numbers that will put him in the hunt every game for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Still a long way to go for ‘Zo
Kidd was a 10-time All-Star, five-time 1st team All-NBA and a four-time 1st team All-Defensive player who ended his career as one of the all time leaders in assists, steals and triple-doubles. Ball has a long way to go before he can be mentioned in the same category when it comes to careers in the NBA.
But Ball has already flashed the type of size, all-around game and work ethic that helped Kidd become one of the best point guards of all time. Lonzo is not there yet, but it’s not hard to imagine him once again following in Kidd’s footsteps and becoming one of the most successful point guards of his era.