Josh Hart or Lonzo Ball: Which one should the Pelicans keep?

Lonzo Ball vs. Josh Hart: Who is the better fit with Zion Williamson?

Zion Williamson is playing like a future MVP, so whatever moves the Pelicans make will have him in mind.

This is a hard one, as both players fit the profile of the types of players who fit with Zion Williamson.

Lonzo’s assist totals are down, but his shooting and ball movement are still opening up a lot of lanes for Zion Williamson to score.

Lonzo and Zion are good and getting better in the pick-and-roll, Lonzo is one of the best in the NBA at getting Zion the ball in transition and he hits a higher percentage of his 3-point shots on greater volume than Josh Hart.

Lonzo Ball is clearly better for Zion Williamson on offense.

Josh Hart’s ability to guard up makes him a good match for Zion defensively, as he can cover some of Zion’s and Ingram’s deficiencies in that area.

Hart also gets after it on the boards, which allows Zion to leak out on fast breaks, which he loves to do.

I’d still give the edge to Lonzo Ball, especially when you factor in age and future.

Hopefully, the New Orleans Pelicans will be able to keep Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart for the long term, as they are both good players and good fits with Zion, but it may just come down to simple dollars and what kinds of offers they get from other teams.

What you value comes down to perspective, but if I had to choose one, I am definitely keeping Lonzo Ball.

He’s younger, has the higher ceiling and has some intangibles that 26-year-old Josh Hart just doesn’t. I hope they can keep them both, but if ones goes, it will probably be Hart.

Edge: Lonzo Ball