Lonzo Ball has moved in and out of the starting lineup in his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans — in part due to because of Ball’s nagging injuries, but also because head coach Alvin Gentry has tried everything to improve his team’s record.
While some of Ball’s biggest supporters — including his outspoken father, LaVar — have taken issue with his fluctuating role, it apparently hasn’t bothered him. Before Ball moved back into the starting lineup on Monday, when the Pelicans stunned the Portland Trail Blazers, he told reporters that he doesn’t care whether he starts or comes off the bench as long as he’s getting playing time:
“I just want to play. As long as I play, I’m cool … Obviously everyone wants to start, but any way I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Gentry’s decision to move the former No. 2 overall pick back into the starting five has paid dividends. Over the last two games, the Pelicans have upset two teams — the Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets —and Ball has posted a net rating of +14.9 during that stretch.
Ball still hasn’t figured out his jump shot, but he’s beginning to find ways to make an impact on the Pelicans in spite of that. If New Orleans wants to gain ground in the Western Conference playoff race, they’ll need Ball to continue doing that.
