If the New Orleans Pelicans are to improve, it starts with Lonzo Ball.
Lonzo Ball played well down the stretch for the New Orleans Pelicans only to have it all blow up in his face in the Orlando bubble.
Lonzo played very poorly in Florida, which hopefully left a bad taste in his mouth heading into the offseason, as there are definitely some things he needs to improve to take the next step as a player.
This is also the final year of Lonzo’s contract, so he will undoubtedly want to put up numbers so that he can get a fat deal in the offseason.
It’s not hyperbole to say that Lonzo Ball’s future salary and future with the New Orleans Pelicans very much depends on how he plays before the trade deadline.
Play poorly, and the Pels may trade Lonzo Ball before the deadline. Play well, and he may be in line for a max contract extension.
If Lonzo Ball wants to have a successful season, here are three things he will have to do.
New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball needs to defend the wing
Defend the Wing
The New Orleans Pelicans do not have much depth at small forward, in fact, they don’t have a single one listed behind Brandon Ingram.
They also don’t have much quality depth at power forward or center, which could lead Stan Van Gundy to use some wonky lineups that feature three guards and Zion Williamson at center.
In these three-guard lineups, it is Lonzo Ball who will be tasked with defending wings, as he has the size and skill to do it.
Last season, this duty often fell to Jrue Holiday but with Jrue locking people down for Milwaukee now, it is on Lonzo Ball to be the designated defensive stopper on the perimeter.
Lonzo needs to embrace whatever challenge he is given on defense each and every night, to play at an All-Defensive level and to do it all over the floor.