Not since Magic Johnson have we seen a player who embraces the role of pass-first point guard.
Lonzo Ball, the point guard for the LA Lakers, made his debut last Thursday night. He put up 3 points on 1-6 shooting and had 4 assists. To his credit, Ball also had 9 rebounds. But, all-in-all, it was a disappointing showing for a player who has been so hyped up by the media. After the game, some analysts labeled him a bust, claiming that he’s a one-dimensional player–not ready for the League.
Courtesy: USAToday
But the following night, Lonzo put up 29 points on 45% shooting. He also had 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and just 4 turnovers. He was one rebound shy of becoming the youngest player ever to score a triple-double in an NBA game.
Has Lonzo silenced his critics, proving himself to be worthy of the Lakers’ #2 pick in the NBA draft?
I think you need to give Ball a mulligan in his first game. He was nervous. He wasn’t shooting enough. He was hesitant to play his style. Game 2 was another story entirely. He was confident. He was comfortable driving to the basket. He wanted the ball.
I believe Lonzo will be the leader of this young Lakers team. He’ll be the primary ball handler and a distributor on offense. A great passer and rebounder in college, he showed both last Friday night.
With the risk of being over-confident in my new favorite player, I predict that Lonzo Ball will win the 2018 Rookie of the Year award, beating out both Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz.
Ball, I think, will revitalize ‘the Magic Johnson role’ — the pass-first point guard.
