Many former and current NBA players have given their takes on how Lonzo Ball should change his game to become a more consistent offensive threat. For all his talents since entering the league, Ball has struggled offensively, particularly as a three-point shooter.
Flashes throughout his career have helped maintain the optimism about his future. However, count Gary Payton among those that think Ball still needs to make changes to become even more successful. Those changes, though, are mental and not physical.
Payton spoke recently about Ball in a recent interview:
“You guys have to understand — these players are not shooters. There’s a difference between a scorer and a shooter. Now, what you’re supposed to do is, if he wants to change his mindset he has to become a scorer. Just score the basketball. You look at Westbrook, what is he? A scorer, and he gets things done, you know what I’m saying?”
“So that’s what Lonzo has to get in his mind. Stop trying to say ‘I can shoot the ball, I can do all of that.’ The object of the game is to get that li’ orange ball in that lil’ orange rim, so do that.”
While the point about shooters and scorers is relevant overall, it may not be entirely relevant to Ball. As we enter year three, it’s clear that Ball’s offensive game is limited and will remain limited. His best-case scenario offensively is a 3-and-D point guard akin to Patrick Beverley.
Ball’s main focus on offense should be to knock down three-pointers and hit open shots while occasionally driving to the rim. The benefit Ball has is that he has an elite passing ability to complement his shooting. If he can become a consistent shooter, he’ll be an effective offensive player. But worry about whether he’s a scorer or shooter is aspects Ball should not bother himself with.
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