The New Orleans Pelicans will pick up the fourth-year options on guards Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez. Both players were original picks of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, who were then traded to the Pelicans in a blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis.
Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has battled through two tough shooting seasons but has already shown signs of a revamped jumper and a new jolt of energy in a new environment full of promise and positive vibes. The 6-foot-6 point guard averaged 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game — numbers that paled in comparison to his rookie year averages.
The 21-year-old played in 52 games in his rookie season and 47 last year, having battled multiple injuries through his initial run in the NBA.
Josh Hart, who impressed his first season with the Lakers after being drafted with the 30th pick, posted similar scoring averages in both seasons, but struggled mightily in 2018-19, shooting a mere 40.7% from the floor and 33.6% from deep after flirting with the 40% threshold in his rookie year.
Both players will get ample opportunities in New Orleans, as vice-president David Griffin has turned into the architect of this young bunch, willing to give these players a chance to prove themselves in a fast, up-tempo system under a seasoned leader in head coach Alvin Gentry.
Ball's elite-level vision and Hart's sharpshooting and rebounding should prove a sound starting point for a young franchise hoping to inch its way into playoff contention.
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