Knicks: Why Lonzo Ball is the perfect trade target for New York
By Allen Settle
2) Appropriate Star Power
New York City is the biggest basketball market in the country. Yet, they head into the 2021 season with an underachieving RJ Barrett and fallen draft prospect in Obi Toppin as their headliners.
The Mecca of basketball deserves a star to bask in its’ bright lights. In lieu of a franchise altering move for a flashy name, a player like Lonzo Ball is an ideal consolation prize. The former UCLA superstar is unquestionably a household name despite a less-than-spectacular career stat line.
Entering his fourth year in the NBA, Ball has averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting. He had a bounce-back year in 2019-2020, posting per game averages of 11.8 points, 7 assists, and 6.1 boards. However, a disastrous performance in the NBA bubble caused his momentum to plummet.
Ball is a unique player in terms of both his game and his star power. His combination of athleticism, stellar passing skills, and poor shooting stats make him incomparable to most NBA players.
However, his connections to his influencer father LaVar Ball and his younger brother. 2020 second overall pick LaMelo Ball, will ensure Lonzo’s place in the limelight remains secure for many years to come.