Defensively, Lonzo Ball has taken a step forward this season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Even with his slow start offensively, Ball excelled on the other end of the court from the opening night of the season.

While the addition of Eric Bledsoe was expected to continue a strong defensive backcourt presence, the newly-acquired guard has not stepped into the hole left by Jrue Holiday yet this season. The result has been Ball taking the tougher of the perimeter defensive assignments much of the season.

The stats not only back that up but also show that Ball has taken on the toughest defensive assignments in the league overall. Per BBall Index, Ball ranks first in toughest assignments with a minimum of 500 minutes played, ranking just ahead of Lu Dort of Oklahoma City and Mikal Bridges of Phoenix.

Ball has defended a number of top players in the league this season, ranging from Damian Lillard to Zach LaVine to Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell. With a handful of small exceptions, Ball has gotten the better of his assignments as well.

His defense has also served as a spark multiple times for New Orleans in wins. Against the Pacers, Ball saved the game with a heads-up defensive play on the final possession. In the weekend’s win over Boston, Ball and Josh Hart served as the sparks for the team’s comeback win.

If Ball’s defense keeps up, he could quickly join the conversation as one of the league’s top defenders and a potential spot on the All-Defensive teams.