Lonzo Ball wasn’t an efficient shooter in his two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers and through three preseason games with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball still hasn’t been able to find his stroke, as he’s shot 32 percent from the field, including 31.3 percent from 3-point territory. However, his new head coach Alvin Gentry isn’t complaining about it.
In fact, after the the Pelicans’ 128-127 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday, Gentry told reporters that he’s been happy with the types of shots Ball has taken in the preseason, even if most of them haven’t gone in:
“I was happy with the way Zion and Zo played tonight. I thought they did a really, really good job — especially Zo. I thought he did a good job of taking shots that were available, not hesitating.”
Ball shot 4-10 from the field on Friday, including 2-5 from behind the arc.
Obviously Gentry would prefer if Ball was making shots at a high clip, but there’s something to be said about building good habits, and that’s something Ball’s done in the preseason with the shots he’s taken. He hasn’t forced anything, he’s just taken what the defense has given him.
Still, it is a little concerning that Ball is taking smart — and often wide-open shot attempts — and still struggling. While some of his struggles can be attributed to him adjusting to his re-worked jump shot, his shooting splits have been consistent with what he’s shown throughout his career.
Hopefully Ball can start making some of his shots sooner rather than later, because the Pelicans could really use another shooter.
