New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball shows why Pels need to re-sign him

Lonzo Ball made his return to the New Orleans Pelicans and immediately reminded the front office why they need to re-sign him in the offseason.

Lonzo was on fire right away, knocking down all of his 3-point shots in the first quarter on his way to hitting a career-high eight overall.

He ended with 27 points, nine assists, four rebounds, three steals and even knocked down all three of his free throws.

He did have a whopping six turnovers, so it was not a perfect night, but Lonzo Ball showed why he should be a priority in the offseason.

New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball is the Pels’ best 3-point shooter

Now that J.J. Redick has been put in a rocket ship and shot into the face of the Sun, Lonzo Ball is the team’s best 3-point shooter and it’s not even close.

After last night’s outburst, Lonzo Ball is shooting just under 40 percent on 3-point shots on eight attempts per game, numbers that put him among the elite volume 3-point shooters in the NBA.

The Pelicans don’t have much shooting, as they shipped out Redick and Melli for two defenders and don’t have anyone else on the roster who is considered a plus 3-point shooter.

It wouldn’t be easy to replace Lonzo’s shooting, which is just one reason the Pels need to re-sign him.

The New Orleans Pelicans need a 3rd scoring option

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have carried most of the scoring load this season and will continue to as their games evolve.

They could end up being the top scoring duo in the NBA at some point but that doesn’t mean the Pels won’t need a 3rd and even 4th option for nights when their shots aren’t falling or they have to miss time due to injury.

Lonzo Ball has shown that he can carry the team offensively for stretches, especially against bad teams and can be that guy along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who provides another option on offense.

New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels can build around Lonzo Ball’s defense

When you are the 29th ranked defense in the NBA, you can’t let your best perimeter defender walk for nothing.

Lonzo swiped three more steals last night and has been solid defensively all season. He has the size, I.Q. and motor to be a plus defender all over the perimeter which is something you can build around, especially when your defense stinks.

The Pelicans need to clone Lonzo Ball not trade him or let him walk, as he can provide the type of perimeter defense that they need more of.

Lonzo Ball has only been back for one game but has has already shown how valuable he is to the future of this team.

It is probably going to take $20 million a season to keep him but Lonzo is worth it and can be the third piece the New Orleans Pelicans build around.