At times during his NBA career, Lonzo Ball has addressed the need for him to speak up more as a leader on the court. Often, point guards are responsible for directing the offense and Ball’s quiet attitude doesn’t lend itself to loud leadership.
In previous off-seasons and preseasons, Ball has talked about the need to step up as a leader on the court, citing former Laker teammate Rajon Rondo as an example and goal. He has made some strides in that regard, but JJ Redick referred to the Pelicans last season as one of the quietest teams he’s played on.
This preseason, new head coach Stan Van Gundy has made it a point to get his guards to take a more vocal role with the team, Ball included. Ball has responded by stepping up to the challenge with Van Gundy singling him out after Saturday’s practice.
“I was really, really happy with Lonzo today,” Van Gundy said. “I thought that he was more vocal, he organized his team offensively, he was our best communicator at the defensive end of the floor today, particularly in transition, getting back and pointing to other people, getting people matched up.”
Van Gundy also discussed why he believes it is important for his point guards to be vocal and lead the team as well.
“To me, one of the things that I really value offensively is organization. I just think if we’re organized to start a possession, I don’t care if it’s coming off an opponent’s miss where you’re more random or whether you’re running set plays, we need to be organized in what we do and the point guard who’s got to tell us what we’re in and get us organized. Then we have a chance to execute and do well. When the point guard isn’t vocal, isn’t letting people know, a possession that starts badly rarely ends well.
“So, I think organization is key, I think it’s their job and it’s something that we will stay on them about but they all did a much better job today. Lonzo, in particular, I thought was just outstanding.”
For Ball, it’s a sign of not just improving but maturing and becoming more comfortable as a pro. For many young point guards, it’s difficult to step in on day one and command a locker room or a team of players on the court. It’s a natural step in progression for point guards to eventually feel comfortable in leading a team and it appears Ball is taking that step.
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