New Orleans Pelicans: Best Case Scenario Comps for the Under-25’s

New Orleans Pelicans’ Player Comparisons: Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball is the next…Penny Hardaway

Ok, I know everyone wants to compare Lonzo Ball to Jason Kidd, and I already have, so if you want that comp, check it out.

The Kidd comparisons make sense, as Lonzo is a smart, pass first point guard with a mediocre (but improving) shot and above-average defense.

But otherwise Kidd and Lonzo aren’t that similar, as Kidd was a stocky, strong 6-foot-4 point guard, while Lonzo is a lankier 6-foot-6, much closer to Penny Hardaway in size.

Hardaway came into the league at age 22 and a much more polished prospect than Lonzo, but their numbers at that age aren’t dissimilar.

Hardaway averaged 16 points, 6.6 assists. 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 36.8 minutes per game when he was 22-years-old.

Lonzo Ball averaged 11.8 points, 7 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 32 minutes per game at the same age.

Hardaway’s best statistical season was when he was 23, when he averaged 20.9/7.2/4.3 per game. Is it crazy to think Lonzo Ball might get there?

Lonzo is already as good a passer as Hardaway and a better rebounder. Hardaway was a better, more versatile defender and a much better scorer, but Lonzo is improving in those areas and is already a better 3-point shooter than Hardaway ever was.

For Lonzo to reach Penny status he needs to get better at finishing around the rim and improve his free throw shooting. The biggest difference between Lonzo and Penny right now is that Penny shot seven free throws per game at his best and hit 77% of them, while Lonzo shoots just 1.4 free throws per game and hits 56.6% of them.

Lonzo has a chance to be one of the best all-around guards in the game, a long, Penny Hardaway type who can get his own buckets and set up his teammates.

Let’s just hope Lonzo can avoid the injuries that plagued Hardaway’s career.