New Orleans Pelicans: Positives and Negatives from the First Scrimmage

New Orleans Pelicans: Positives and Negatives from the Point Guards

Frank Jackson

The Good: Jackson was aggressive looking for his shot and ended three for six for nine points. He didn’t hesitate when he got looks. He played off the ball mostly, which is interesting considering he wasn’t on the floor with another point guard. He had a nice sprint down the floor for a reverse layup, then got back for the steal on defense, showing how disruptive he can be.

The Bad: NAW was the primary ball handler most of the time Jackson was on the floor. His main strength is dribble penetration, so I’m not sure I like this lineup wrinkle from Gentry. Jackson only played 13 minutes, which is strange considering it was mostly a bench game.

Lonzo Ball

The Good: Lonzo looked comfortable shooting from long-range and his form was spot-on. It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who came to the NBA with that “cross the body” jumper. The biggest positive was that Lonzo took it to the hoop and finished strong at the rim more than once. Early in the first quarter, Lonzo drove into traffic, took the contact and still finished.

Alvin Gentry challenged Lonzo to get to the free throw line more often and drives like that will get him there more times than not. Lonzo has a physical advantage on just about every point guard in the league and needs to play more bully ball in the paint.

The Bad: Then, with about five minutes left in the first quarter, Lonzo tried to drive and instead pulled up for a step back, fadeaway mid-range jumper. It was a bad shot and Gentry pulled him not long after to tell him so. Lonzo can’t settle for these types of shots, and either has to take that ball into the paint or give it up. Overall, Lonzo looked confident and comfortable, which is exactly what we wanted to see.