Lonzo Ball will begin the 2019-20 season with a fresh start after being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a move that sent superstar big man Anthony Davis out of town to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, Ball will be tasked with being part of the future in New Orleans. He is joined by quite a few other big-time young talents in Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jaxson Hayes. Add in the veteran players like Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, and Derrick Favors, and this situation seems perfect for Ball.
Throughout his first two NBA seasons with the Lakers, things have not gone according to plan. Ball has struggled in a big way offensively and has received a lot of criticism because of those struggles. New Orleans doesn't care about the past and they believe that Ball will develop into the talent that many saw in him during the draft process a couple years back.
Last season with the Lakers, Ball saw his season cut short due to injury. He ended up playing in 47 regular season games, averaging 9.9 points, 5.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Ball shot 40.6 percent from the field overall and 32.9 percent from the three-point line.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three numbers Ball must target with the Pelicans.
3. At Least 14 Points Per Game
The Pelicans are not acquiring Ball to be a pure scorer, but they do need him to step up on the offensive side of the ball. His three-point shooting was one of his strengths in college, but that has not translated to the NBA. There is no question that the potential is there, but he has to unlock it.
Ball should target around 14 points per game. That goal is not too steep, but it is a big improvement. If he can reach this goal, the Pelicans' offense is going to be scary.
2. Improve to Around 7.5 Assists Per Game
Next up, the Pelicans are going to need Ball to improve as a playmaker for his teammates. He has always been able to create for others and he has the talent around him to make this jump. From kicking out to Redick to throwing lobs and pick-and-rolls with Williamson and Favors, Ball should see his assist numbers improve.
Holiday and Ball will be a lethal back-court tandem, but Ball is a true point guard. He will have the ball in his hands often and will need to make plays with it.
1. His Three-Point Shooting Has to Be Around 38 Percent
Finally, the Pelicans are going to need Ball to improve as a perimeter shooter. With the way their roster is set up, Ball is going to get open looks from beyond the arc. Shooting 32.9 percent from three-point range isn't going to cut it.
Ball has to shoot around 38 percent from three-point range. Improving to 40 percent would be ideal, but making that kind of leap in one season is a bit too much to ask. Becoming a consistent three-point threat is all the Pelicans need from him this season and it is a reasonable thing to ask.
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