With all eyes on LaMelo, the eldest Ball brother, Lonzo, is still working to prove his place in the NBA. As he enters his fourth season (his second with the Pelicans), Zo will have every opportunity to show the world what he’s made of.
The good news is, he is already impressing some of his teammates.
In a chat with ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, Pelican’s sharpshooter JJ Redick gave a shining review about the young point guard’s long-distance jumper.
JJ Redick: “I literally tell [Lonzo] every f—king day to shoot the ball. I hate when he passes up good shots. … He’s turned himself into a great shooter.”
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) December 19, 2020
Coach Stan Van Gundy also expressed some good things about Lonzo, pointing out his improved decision-making with the basketball.
More good stuff from SVG on Lonzo:
Says he wants to make Lonzo a more careful risk taker without syphoning that part completely out of his game. Wants him to be more calculated.
Mentions Zo already being better with when he takes risk – like on full-court passes.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) December 19, 2020
Statistically, Ball had his best season in 2019-20, averaging 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7 assists per game on 40% shooting. The Pelicans also had a respectable campaign, earning an invite to the Orlando bubble before eventually missing out on the play-in.
With the new season just days away, much optimism remains about what Lonzo will be able to do and how he has grown his game since last we saw him. One thing is for sure — if his shot is really as solid as Redick wants us to believe, it could be a breakout year for the young guard.
