Fans of the New Orleans Pelicans weren’t happy last night when the Pels lost Lonzo Ball to the Bulls then replaced him with Devonte’ Graham.
I can understand this, as Lonzo is probably the better all-around player, the Pelicans essentially got nothing for him, and then had to give up a first-round pick to secure Graham.
It doesn’t appear as if David Griffin has much of a plan, so if you are frustrated with his offseason so far, I can relate.
But for those of us feeling a bit confused and bewildered today, there are some reasons why Devonte’ Graham will ultimately be better for the Pelicans than Lonzo Ball.
Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham and Lonzo Ball put up very similar stats
If you look at the numbers, there isn’t a whole of lot difference between Lonzo Ball and Devonte’ Graham.
Lonzo averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 31 minutes for the Pelicans, who finished outside of the playoffs once again.
Graham’s numbers were 14.8/5.4/2.7 and they both shot over 37 percent from 3-point range on over eight attempts per game.
Graham is a better 3-point shooter and finisher at the rim and Ball is a slightly better passer and rebounder, but otherwise they are pretty much the same guy.
Lonzo Ball has always brought more hype than his play warranted, mostly through his TV show, loud mouth dad and legions of psychotic fans (have fun Bulls’ Twitter!!), but in the end, it’s not like the Pelicans downgraded significantly, especially when you look at other factors.
Pelicans: Devonte’ Graham is basically a cheaper version of Lonzo Ball
I do agree that Lonzo Ball is the better player and has a higher ceiling, but is he twice as good as Graham? Nope.
You wouldn’t know it from their salaries, as Lonzo is getting paid over $22 million a year from the Bulls and Graham is making about half that for the Pelicans.
Like I said, hype is valuable and the Bulls paid a lot to get a recognizable name to Chicago. I can’t blame them, and Lonzo may be very good for them in a new role, but that contract might also look awful in a few years if Lonzo doesn’t significantly improve.
The Pelicans still have cap space to use and can sign another guy or try to absorb a contract in a trade. For the price of Lonzo they are likely to get Graham and another player, so in the end, the Pelicans will have more depth and will not be losing much statistically.
If the Pels can land another starter and bring Graham off the bench it looks even better.
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.