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New Orleans Pelicans: Three bold predictions for Lonzo Ball in 2019

By Jason Reed

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – New Orleans Pelicans
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – New Orleans Pelicans /

3. Lonzo Ball narrowly misses making the All-Defensive Second Team

If there was an All-Defensive Third Team then Lonzo Ball would absolutely be on it this upcoming season. However, there is no All-Defensive Third Team, so Ball is going to have to wait to win his second major honor, behind being named to the All-Rookie team.

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Again, if you watched some of Ball’s clips from Los Angeles then you would see that he is an excellent defender at the point guard level. At such a young age, Ball is already showing signs of being an elite defender and is going to make a big leap to actually becoming one in his third year.

Not only does he have the ability to pickpocket but he is sensational at help defense and rotating onto the ball-handler. At times it feels like he can be everywhere at once, whether it be pressuring the ball-handler to force a turnover or intercepting the passing lanes.

Ball’s defense is going to be massive for the Pelicans this year as he might even be on the court in crunch time because of his ability to limit other guards. Not only does he have the athleticism and IQ of a fluid defender, but his 6’6″ frame makes him big enough to guard most small forwards.

Ball is not going to be quite there yet in terms of actually making an All-Defensive team, as there are some great defensive guards that will get the nod ahead of him.

Next. Bold predictions for Zion Williamson. dark

However, when the votes are announced, we will see that Ball will have narrowly missed getting All-Defensive honors, something he will get in the future with the New Orleans Pelicans.

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