Every season, we get players that have career years and take their play to the next level. For instance, Indiana Pacers Victor Oladipo struggled with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but became a two-time All-Star with the Indiana Pacers.
G Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans
Ball is entering a new phase in his NBA career. After being drafted #2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, his first two seasons were underwhelming through injuries and inconsistencies. In 99 games with the Lakers, Ball shot 38% from the field and 43% from the line.
As a result, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans to play with a cast of young players such as Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday. Head coach of Pelicans, Alvin Gentry has experience with development of points guards. From 2003-08, he assisted in the development of Steve Nash with the Phoenix Suns. Nash eventually became a two-time MVP with the team.
Ball is with a young team that will allow him to grow and develop his skillset. Not to mention, He has totally changed his shooting motion, workout habits, and shoes.
Stats Prediction: 15 points, 9.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds 75% FT
G Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets
For the past two seasons, Rozier played a key part off the bench for the Boston Celtics. In 2018, an injury to Kyrie Irving entered Rozier as a starter, as he helped Boston reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Against the Philadelphia 76ers, he averaged 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He will get a chance with Charlotte to prove if he’s a starting point guard or not. He will have a chance to gain consistent playing time and chances to score assist.
Stats Prediction: 18 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 79% FT
G Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic
The Philadelphia 76ers had high hopes for Fultz, but he failed to meet those expectations. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a nerve condition, which involves compression or irritation of the nerves or blood vessels in the area between the lower neck and upper chest. As a result, it limited Fultz’s ability to shoot.
The Orlando Magic traded for Fultz, believing that he still has potential. Fultz is the youngest person in NBA history to ever record a triple-double at 19-years old .
Stats Prediction: 14 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 74% FT
Photo: John Raoux
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