2020-21 New Orleans Pelicans Player Review: Lonzo Ball
Contract years — the final year of a player’s contract before he heads into free agency — often add extra motivation and lead to career years from players. O.J. Mayo earned a nickname based on how well he routinely performed in a contract season.
In the final year of his rookie deal, Lonzo Ball had a career season in New Orleans. He set career-highs in points per game (14.6), steals per game (1.5), 3-point percentage (37.8) as well as numerous single-game highs throughout the year.
But with the Pelicans seemingly unwilling to pay him for his career year, his future is as up in the air as it has been at any point in his tumultuous career.
Stat of the Season
39.8%.
Ball started slowly from 3-point range early in the season before finishing as strongly as anyone. From Jan. 27 until season’s end, Ball shot 39.8% from the arc on 369 attempts. Of players with at least 350 attempts in that span, only Steph Curry and Duncan Robinson shot a higher percentage.
Notable Exit Interview Quote
On if he is open to a return to New Orleans this offseason…
“Obviously, I would love to be back. I’ve built a good bond here with the coaches and the teammates that are here. So, I definitely wouldn’t mind coming back at all.”
Overview
Ball could hardly have played different roles under Stan Van Gundy and Alvin Gentry. This season, Ball played at the slowest pace of his carer. It was a role he admitted was one he had not played in his basketball career as a more traditional point guard.
Yet, Ball adapted and, behind his continually improving 3-point shot, had another standout season. Ball had multiple notable performances late in the season with the postseason on the line, including his first 30-point game against Minnesota before matching that point total three days later.
His improvement as a scorer outside of 3-point shooting was noticeable as well. After finishing in the 11th percentile in the pick and roll last season, per Synergy, he ranked in the 69th percentile this season.
Ball’s evolution as a player offensively led to his breakout season in New Orleans and is what makes him such an intriguing target for teams this offseason.
Outlook
It certainly does not appear the Pelicans are interested in retaining Ball this offseason. His market value is going to be in the range of $100 million, far more than New Orleans reportedly is comfortable paying.
The list of teams that will lineup in return, then, will be interesting. The Knicks have long been rumored but may not be sold on Ball. The Bulls were most aggressive in attempting to acquire him during the season. The Clippers have been linked multiple times to him in the last six months. And the Lakers seem the longshot that could factor in.
Whoever lands Ball this summer will almost certainly value him more highly than the Pelicans have, use him better than the Pelicans did and will be acquiring one of the unique impact talents in the NBA.
