The Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball has been one of the hottest talking points so far in the 2017-18 NBA season. At the center of all the Ball conversation is his play so far into his young career.
There are many that sit on opposite sides of the fence of criticism and support for Ball. A large consensus of the media have driven the narrative that Ball’s play is insufficient 27 games in.
There is justifiable reason behind their displeasure with Ball’s play. This season he is averaging 8.9 points per game, 7 assists, 6.9 total rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1 block per basketball-reference.com.
Ball’s shooting numbers have been the source of a majority of the public criticism. He currently has a 32.7 field goal percentage and is also shooting 25.8 percent from three point range.
His poor shooting numbers have been a red flag to those trying to evaluate his future potential. There is no doubt that he is having a historically tough season shooting the ball so far.
However, context is easily lost on the fact that he is one of the more hyped rookies dating back to LeBron James. A lot of the expectations surrounding Ball are due to his father’s bravado prior to the season.
Unfortunately, his father’s bravado raised the standards that everyone expects Ball to meet right away. As a result, the rookie point guard was caught in the middle of all the braggadocio.
While no one may have foreseen Ball’s poor shooting numbers, he has been an all-around player on offense and is improving on defense. He was never a top tier athlete similar to James who could dominate the game easily off of athleticism right from the jump.
Ball’s brand never fell inline with that of a scoring guard but rather a player who initiates the offense and involves his teammates. It is important for a point guard to be able to score in today’s NBA. However, just because he is not doing it right away does not mean he will not eventually.
James who is seen as the best player in the world in most circles, even chimed in on the topic per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
“I mean, listen, man, this guy is 20-something games into his pro career. S— doesn’t happen [that fast]. Here it goes again, it goes back to my instant oatmeal [quote]: Everybody wants it right away. Can he play ball? Absolutely.”
There is currently no one more equip to speak on meeting high expectations in the NBA than James. If the three-time champion and 15-year veteran sees no reason for everyone to fret right now, why does everyone else?
Brendan Abban is the host of the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email him via [email protected]. This article was originally written and published on SB Nation.
