KEY POINTS

  • The Pelicans may need to choose between Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart
  • Hart could make more sense for the Pelicans moving forward
  • Ball is expected to draw huge interest once his contract with the Pelicans end

The New Orleans Pelicans are trying to hold up, and part of their success is their backcourt.

Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are two promising guards that the team acquired in the Anthony Davis trade but need more polishing.

But the question there is, will they do that while in New Orleans or somewhere else?

Looking through the two guards’ past seasons, Ball has undoubtedly picked it up especially this season.

However, Hart has also proven that he can step up if needed on both ends of the floor. The 26-year-old could enjoy a breakout year if he is given more minutes on the floor.

Of the two, there is growing interest in Ball. One team linked to the son of LaVar Ball is the New York Knicks.

However, that list is expected to grow heading into the offseason especially with the level of play that the second-overall pick has shown this season.

The Knicks could be losing some guards after this season, and Ball could be a wise player to pursue.

New York could see a reunion of two former Los Angeles Lakers, yet another sensible angle that would make sense for head coach Tom Thibodeau.

If not Ball, another potential target is Dennis Schroder–ironically another and current Laker.

However, there is the issue of money. Ball could get as much as $20 million per year, numbers that could make the Pelicans think twice.

Hart would cost less at around $11 million, something that could factor in on which guard to keep.

In terms of play, both hardly differ in numbers and gameplay. Both can score and defend. But if there is one thing that may give Hart a bit of an edge, it would be his energy and knack for collaring rebounds.

Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to pass against Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns
Lonzo Ball #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks to pass against Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns Getty Images | Christian Petersen

In terms of health, both are nursing injuries and have been missing some of the Pelicans’ recent games.

Health could be another factor although the money due to Ball or Hart will likely force Stan Van Gundy to figure out which of the two they should keep.

For now, deciding on how to keep both Ball and Hart may not matter much. But come the offseason, it will be a different story--especially for the former who is starting to be a staple in the NBA rumor mill.

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