The divisive, prototypical point guard Lonzo Ball could be the Kings savior should he fall to the fifth pick. At 6’6″ and 190 pounds, Ball possesses good size for an NBA floor general. His court vision is impeccable, and while his father, Lavar, might scare people off, Lonzo’s talent is undeniable.
Strengths
Ball is an elite player in transition while his abilities to force turnovers and grab defensive rebounds is incredible for a young player. He possesses elite court vision, passing, and creativity which makes him an ideal point guard prospect. On his NBA Draft profile, his high basketball IQ and his ability to find teammates on the floor is highly revered. He is also an incredible ball handler that has the ability and talent that transcends those at his age.
During his time at UCLA, Ball posted an assist to turnover ratio of 4.1 to 1, which is efficient. He averaged 14.6 points and 7.6 assists per game which are great numbers for a facilitator. Ball also was able to pull down over 6 rebounds a contest and was essentially the NCAA version of Russell Westbrook.
Ball also drained over 41% of his three-pointers too, showing an ability to space the floor even with a funky shot. Lonzo’s offensive game when it comes to shooting is no less impressive than his passing. He has an above average step back jumper in addition to strong play on the ball.
Ball is an incredible prospect and is one of the best point guards to come into the draft in some time. While his father is nothing short of controversial, he will transform any franchise that drafts him almost instantly.
Weaknesses
A major knock on Lonzo is he struggles to play well against more physical players. He does stand at 6’6″ and weighs 190 pounds, but his frame hasn’t filled out yet which leads to a lack of physicality. The lack of weight leads to difficulties driving into the paint, which hinders his inside game with the ball in his hands. In addition to this, he doesn’t have a lightning quick first step, which is almost a necessity in today’s NBA.
His inability to create his own offense is what worries scouts and generals managers the most. He is not a great player in isolation and has a weak mid-range game. A majority of Ball’s baskets at UCLA come off assists, further showing both an ability to move without the ball and an inability to create his own offense.
Ball also struggles at times on the defensive side. He struggles to defend against dribble penetration, which was exposed when playing against De’Aaron Fox who lit Lonzo up for 39 points in the NCAA Tournament. His defensive ability will no doubt need to improve before he can lead his own team in the NBA.
Fit
Rumors are circulating that the Lakers could pass on Ball. If Ball does fall to the Kings at #5, Sacramento would be hard-pressed to pass on him in favor of someone else. Potentially, if Ball drops, the Kings could be in a beautiful position as they need a young and talented point guard. Both he and De’Aaron Fox could be potential targets for the Kings with the fifth pick, leaving the Kings in a win-win situation.
Short term, Ball gives the Kings an elite passer to run their offense. While he clearly has room to improve on both sides of the ball, he has the potential to make an impact from day one. He gives the Kings an elite playmaker they haven’t had for quite sometimes, pushing them closer to contending for a playoff berth
Long term, he could transform the Kings franchise. He has the talent to lead a team deep into the playoffs. And while it will take time for him to develop, the incredible potential is there. According to his draft profile, his NBA comparison is Jason Kidd.
While his father concerns some. Lonzo’s play and potential far outweigh the risk of his father’s meddling. If the Lakers do in fact pass on Lonzo, Sacramento should do the right thing and draft what could be their future franchise point guard.