https://lonzowire.usatoday.com/2017/11/09/jason-kidd-lonzo-ball-comparison-stretch-espn-first-take/
Jason Kidd calls Lonzo Ball comparison 'a stretch' on ESPN's First Take
Lonzo Ball's uneven start to his NBA career has even Jason Kidd—the Milwaukee Bucks head coach, former All-Star and future Hall of Famer—backing away from frequent comparisons between himself and the Los Angeles Lakers rookie that he once embraced.
Jason Kidd on Lonzo: 'He might be better' than me
"It's still early in his career, and it's a stretch," Kidd said on ESPN's First Take on Thursday. "He has to understand what it means to play hard and what it means to win and how to win at the highest level.
Lonzo Ball has been compared to Jason Kidd and Jason Kidd says "he has a ways to go." pic.twitter.com/zXsLov6PTN
— First Take (@FirstTake) November 9, 2017
"It takes time," Kidd continued. "Hopefully in three years, maybe there is a better comparison, but right now, it is a stretch and he has a ways to go."
Kidd's point is valid on its face. Zo has a long way to go to measure up to the totality of Kidd's career. The Bay Area native split Rookie of the Year honors with Grant Hill in 1994-95 before stuffing his resume with 10 All-Star appearances, nine All-Defensive nods, six All-NBA selections, three trips to the Finals and a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2010-11.
Through their first 11 games, though, Ball and Kidd are practically mirror images of one another. So far, the former has averaged 8.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists. 2.4 turnovers and 2.0 combined steals and blocks, with shooting splits of .295/.231/.538. Kidd, meanwhile, started with 9.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.4 turnovers and 2.2 combined steals and blocks with shooting splits of .350/.154/.762.
Perhaps those stats will diverge over time. For now, try as he might, Kidd might have trouble running from the comparisons to Ball.
Lakers studied Jason Kidd to prepare for Lonzo Ball