New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball should be a 3-and-D wing
In the modern game, a wing who can defend three spots, shoot 40 percent from long-range and make plays is more valuable than a point guard who can’t penetrate or set up his teammates in the pick-and-roll.
As good of a passer as Lonzo Ball is, he has trouble making some of the basic passes a point guard needs to make, such as entry into the post and threading the needle on the pick-and-roll.
He has also improved his shooting, so Lonzo is a legit threat when left alone, which he often is when Zion Williamson has the ball.
This doesn’t mean he has to be a spot-up shooter only, Lonzo is amazing at running the break, so he can be a point guard in transition and a wing in the half court.
Very few wings in the NBA can shoot the 3-pointer at 40 percent and make plays, so Lonzo Ball could distinguish himself more in this role than he ever could as a point guard.
Lonzo is more valuable as the third scoring option than he is as a glorified Ish Smith who can set up teammates but doesn’t do anything else.
If the Pels can’t find a way to make it work, should they trade him before the deadline? Be careful what you wish for.