Pelicans: 3 reasons Devonte’ Graham will be better for NOLA than Lonzo

Pelicans: Graham will have a more defined role in New Orleans than Lonzo Ball did

One of the problems Lonzo Ball had in New Orleans is that his role was unclear, especially under Stan Van Gundy.

That is not Lonzo’s fault and I give him credit for adjusting and getting better as a shooter, which is all the Pelicans asked him to be.

He was stuck between stardom and role player, and was always going to have to take a back seat to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

He was also stuck between point guard and wing, which shouldn’t be the case in Chicago.

Graham is getting paid like a bench player and knows what his role will be for the Pelicans, as he will likely either come off the bench and add instant scoring/shooting or be in the starting lineup with Nickeil Alexander-Walker if the Pels don’t sign another guy.

Either way, Zion is going to be doing most of the ball handling and Ingram after him, so having a player who accepts being a role player and can thrive is crucial, as there just aren’t that many touches to go around.

Graham should thrive as a scorer with Zion and Ingram and there will never be a question whether he should be more or whether he should be running the show.

While I am not happy to see Lonzo Ball go, and think he could blow up for the Bulls, in the end, Graham might be better for what the Pelicans need and costs half as much.