Pelicans: Why the Pels are not the “biggest losers” in free agency
New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball vs. Devonte’ Graham
I do agree that Lonzo Ball is a better player than Devonte’ Graham but to act like the difference is that huge is complete nonsense.
First off, can we stop acting like Lonzo Ball is an elite guard? He basically stood at the 3-point line and chucked shots, defended well at times and ran the fast break.
He was awful in the half court, can’t shoot free throws and was terrible in the clutch, an area where Devonte’ Graham will be a huge upgrade.
Related Story. Devonte' Graham is far more clutch than Lonzo Ball. light
They basically average the same points, same assists and Ball has slightly more rebounds, that’s it.
Oh, did I mention that Graham makes half the amount of money that Lonzo does? When you factor in contract, I’d rather have Graham, even though Lonzo Ball clearly has a higher ceiling as the younger player.
Lonzo Ball could blow up for the Bulls and I wish him well, but it likely wasn’t going to happen in New Orleans and Graham better fits what the Pelicans need in some ways.
With the Bulls tying up nearly $50 million in Ball and DeMar DeRozan, I would argue their free agency was worse than the Pels and is going to look awful in year three. Same with Memphis, who took on Bledsoe and Adams just to move up seven spots in the draft to take a guy who is a raw project. No thanks.
This trade of Ball for Graham is not a disaster, especially when you factor in contracts, and may actually work out better for the New Orleans Pelicans if Graham can find another level.