Lonzo Ball’s progression in his fourth season in New Orleans has drawn plenty of attention and credit his way. His career-high 3-point percentage highlights his improvements this season, even if it doesn’t fully encapsulate how far he’s come.
Ball’s steps forward – paired with injuries to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram – have drawn the focus of opposing coaches. Prior to Sunday’s game against the Hornets, Charlotte head coach James Borrego spoke about Ball’s progression this season.
“Well, he’s making shots,” he said. “He can make plays. He’s a heck of a basketball player. He can make plays for his teammates. He’s a heck of a passer. He can defend. He’s a two-way guy. He’s doing a great job on the ball right now defensively for them. He can rebound it. He and Melo share that trait a lot where they can rebound and run and play with pace. Bottom line is, when Lonzo’s making shots, he’s a problem and he’s been doing that recently.
“He’s got our full attention. I know he’s got Melo’s full attention. We got to do a good job tonight on him and making sure we don’t let him get going in transition and we don’t let him get going at the three-point line as well.”
Ball’s breakout season as a whole came only after a slow start to begin the campaign. While he’s shooting 37.6% from the 3-point line on the year, he opened the season shooting 28.2% from the arc in the opening 10 games.
Those 10 games included the first contest between the Pelicans and Hornets, a game in which Ball shot 1-of-7 from the 3-point line before missing the next three games to injury. After returning from injury, Ball has shot 39.4% from the 3-point line in the ensuing 43 games he’s seen the court.
In the 10 days leading up to Sunday’s game, Ball had a pair of 33-point performances, his career-high for points in a game, both coming in wins. He’s peaking heading into the final weeks of the season and, rightfully, has gained the attention of coaches around the league.
