When Lonzo Ball debuted a new shot form during training camp in the fall, many were left stunned and excited. Having given no indication he was working on his new shot, the new form was a shock after multiple years of suggestions near and far that Ball need to change his shot.
Fortunately for both Ball and the Pelicans, the new form has been an improved form as well. As the season has gone on, Ball’s shot has steadily improved. In the short month of March so far, he’s shooting 51.2% from three on 43 attempts. That comes after the month of February where he shot 38.2% from distance, his best complete month of the year.
For a recent piece by Pelicans beat writer Jim Eichenhofer on his new jumper, Ball talked about how different it is and where he still struggles.
“The way I shoot is completely different from how I used to, (I’m) trying to be more consistent and keep the ball on the right side (of the body). I’m trying to hold my follow-through more – I had a tendency to drop it. Those are the two biggest things I’ve tried to work on.”
Ball’s improved jumper has opened up his game drastically. Because defenses now have to respect his jumper, Ball has been able to get to the rim more frequently as well. His 144 attempts at the rim, according to Cleaning the Glass, are already nearly the most in a single season in his career and his 61% shooting percentage at the rim is a career-best.
If the improvements continue, Ball’s value only continues to grow. So much of his game can be opened up if he’s a reliable three-point shooter. The challenge now will be to continue the improvements and sustain the level of success.
