Through the opening two games of the preseason, much of the focus on LaMelo Ball has been on the offensive side of the ball. In the opening game, Ball couldn’t find his way into the scoring column but still handed out four assists. The second game, Ball broke the goose egg and poured in 12 points on the night.
Ball’s defense, meanwhile, has not been discussed as much through training camp and the preseason. A topic of discussion heading into the NBA Draft, Ball’s defense will be a determining factor in how much he plays at times this season.
Early in the preseason, head coach James Borrego has been encouraged by what he’s seen from Ball.
“I think he’s been pretty good on the ball, using his length, his size,” he said. ” He’s got his hands on a number of balls. He’s a work in progress off the ball and I think that’s just getting comfortable with our system, our schemes. It looks a little bit different than I think what I think he’s used to in the past and that’s ok.”
Someone who has asked questions throughout training camp and the preseason, Borrego said Ball’s mindset will help him be successful on that end of the court.
“As long as I see growth and he’s trying to get it, he’s watching film, he’s spending time with our coaches, he’s going to get it. He’s a bright kid. He understands to be a special player in this league, he’s got to be a two-way player. He understands it and is willing to work on it.”
Even if encouraged by his defense, the numbers don’t paint a pretty picture through two games. With plenty of caveats that should come along with it, Ball’s 110.5 defensive rating is the worst on the team so far.
However, he spent time on the court in the fourth quarter in the second preseason game alongside end-of-bench players. Most of his minutes have come alongside the second unit as well, which could also lead to the struggles defensively.
Nonetheless, the numbers bear out that Ball is, indeed, a work in progress defensively as he continues to acclimate himself to the league.