Knixkik wrote:Welpee wrote:Knixkik wrote:Welpee wrote:joec32033 wrote:BRIGGS wrote:Welpee wrote:Question for everybody salivating over Lonzo Ball: when was the last time you actually watched him play? Not highlights, Not UCLA video. Watched him for a full game as a Pelican, and be honest.
Lonzo ball is not very good—-over rated. Not a guy who will tilt the needle
I think alot of guys would like him if he was here already. Giving up real assets for him is a little tough with a limited track record in the area we need (his shooting). I would sign him for money. I wouldn't give up future assets for him. Unless you can pull a Payton for Ball straight swap...
I think it would be the opposite. Like DSJ he looks intriguing on somebody else's team. Then he gets on your squad and you learn why they were willing to move him.
Not a great comparison because Lonzo is proven at this point to be a plus shooter, defender, and playmaker. He may be streaky and frustrating but we can all agree we need those things he brings. What does this team need most in the starting lineup? A good 3pt shooter and secondary playmaker without losing anything on defense. He provides that package.
So let me understand this, we're picking up Lonzo for his shooting? The gap between Payton and Lonzo is marginal right now. If you asked me if I could just dump Payton and pick up Lonzo would I do it, sure. If you ask would I invest trading assets for Lonzo and then have to sign him to a contract likely making at least 3x what Payton makes, not interested.
And the DSJ comparisons is not about the specifics of their game. It's about a player looking decent on paper, putting up numbers you think are intriguing, or you watch highlights and think that's a guy I want in a Knick uniform. Then he gets here and he gets the Elfrid treatment and people want him out. I guarantee you if you looked on the Pelican message board removed the name "Lonzo" you'd probably swear they were talking about Payton. I bet their fans aren't dying to resign Lonzo.
This is what i'm not understanding. Ball is a better playmaker and defender than Payton and a significantly better shooting. It's like night and day. There isn't a world where Ball is only marginally better than Payton in any sense. I'm not saying Ball is some world beater or big missing piece, but he is a significant upgrade to both Payton and Bullock and covers areas we need improvements in. Look at his 3pt shooting numbers this year and last year. He's become a high-volume 38% 3pt shot maker. Payton is a non-shooter and has taken a step back in terms of playmaking because teams play zone and dare him to shoot. That won't happen as much with Ball.
Per 36 min stats:
Ball
16.3 ppg
5.5 assists
5.0 reb
2.4 to
74% FT
38% 3 pt
1.4 steals
.9 Defensive win share
-1.1 Defensive +/-
Payton
15.9 ppg
4.6 assists
5.0 reb
2.5 to
72% FT
25% 3 pt
.8 steals
.5 Defensive win share
-.4 Defensive +/-
I don't see where the stats indicated more than a marginal difference between the two and watching Ball play recently lines up with the stats. Difference certainly doesn't justify giving up assets and paying Ball at least triple what we're paying Payton.
Now if you are projecting Lonzo getting significantly better with time, that's a different discussion.