At 21 years old, Lonzo Ball will be the fifth-youngest player on the new-look New Orleans Pelicans despite having two years of NBA experience under his belt. For context, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who the Pelicans selected with the No. 17 pick in this year’s draft, is only a year younger than Ball.
However, Ball isn’t going to let his age stop him from taking charge and being a leader with the Pelicans. During an interview with Pelicans radio broadcaster Todd Graffagnini, Ball said that he plans on helping some of his new, younger teammates get acclimated to life in the NBA, both on and off the court:
“I’ve been in the league for two years now, so I kind of know the ropes. I’ve been around some great people, especially last year, I definitely can help the young guys and just help them through their journey.”
Ball struggled to establish himself as a leader on the Los Angeles Lakers last year with veterans like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo on the team, but he’ll have an opportunity to make his voice heard in the Pelicans locker room this year, especially if he’s named the team’s starting point guard. Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick will also be prominent voices in the locker room, but players like Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes and Alexander-Walker might respond better to someone their age.
Ball has all the physical tools and raw talent to be a special talent at the point guard position, but he still has some growing to do as a floor general. Hopefully a fresh start in New Orleans will push him in the right direction.
You can watch the full interview between Graffagnini and Ball below:
