If Gary Payton really said that after seeing just one year of Lonzo Ball, that’s dumb as f.ck imo.
And let’s be honest, as great player as he was, he has a big mouth and loves saying controversial stuff from time to time. Just on top of my head I can say Stockton, Kidd, Nash, Lebron, CP3, Simmons all had/have a better court vision than Lonzo.
Payton, Baron Davis, amongst others, had interesting views on Lonzo Ball.
We forget that a point guard develops at a different rate than other positions, yet they hold the ball most of the time, sotheir weaknesses are always clear to see. It was interesting to see how great PGs, especially the likes of Payton, analysed the strengths and weaknesses of Ball, a player many have already dismissed as overhyped. Again, it wasn't until Payton's 3rd season before he stopped looking like a dud. Luckily for him, there was far less media exposure and 24/7 analysis, than now.
All good points, but this ignores the crux of the matter: in order to get some attention (and job security, attention, clicks, yadda yadda) in the world of sports opinion shouting (which world ex-players will find themselves in, whether it's footy or hoops or whatever) you have to have a HOT TAKE.
Of course, that theory only applies when you disagree with the view points of a former player, then it's them merely saying things for a soundbite. If, on the other hand, we agree, then naturally the players are finally using their NBA gained knowledge. Is that how it works?
We had posters on this very thread already dismissing Ball after his first month in the NBA. And apparently Simmons is now the flavour of the month, the hottest next PG. Last I checked, Simmons didn't have a shot either, and nothing about his dribbling stands out or at least is equal to the top PGs in the NBA.
I think they'll both forge fine careers, though I have a feeling Simmons will play more point forward than a point guard as he develops. Still far too early to dismiss players though. Especially dismissing a player with the numbers Ball has in his rookie season.