Lonzo Ball’s three-point shot has seen many peaks and valleys during his time in the NBA. However, in the opening months of his time in New Orleans, his jumper has been high and stayed high.
Through the opening 16 games of the season, Ball, who missed a chunk of time due to injury, is shooting a career-best 34.0 percent from beyond the arc. That mark took a tumble after a recent 0-for-7 from three in a blowout loss to Dallas. Prior to that contest, he was shooting 36.6 percent from three.
Still, the 34 percent mark would represent a career-high mark. Ball’s jumper has undergone some changes since landing in New Orleans. On top of the staff working with Ball on his jumper, head coach Alvin Gentry has continued to encourage Ball to shoot three-pointers this year.
“They’ve been available to him. We’d like to see him make a few more. I think he has made the ones where it’s been a catch-and-shoot. I think the step-back dribble one is one we have to cut out. But I don’t want to discourage him from shooting it, especially when he’s open.”
Interestingly, but not surprising, the numbers back up Gentry’s comments. According to Synergy, on no dribble jumpers in spot up opportunities this season, Ball is shooting 37.5 percent at a clip of 1.105 points per possession. On unguarded shots, Ball is shooting 41.7 percent on the year.
Meanwhile, on shots off the dribble, Ball is shooting 19.5 percent on 41 field goal attempts. Ball has seen success this season by spotting up more and playing off the ball more this season. If he can continue to develop his shot, he’ll only continue to have more and more success offensively.
