The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Lonzo Ball in a trade with the Chicago Bulls in the offseason.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated early in the postseason and entered the offseason looking to improve.
The biggest move the Cavaliers made was acquiring Lonzo Ball, who they hope will lead the second unit.
When healthy, Lonzo Ball offers strong defensive play, offensive playmaking, and high basketball IQ.
The Cavaliers are hoping Lonzo Ball will be an Alex Caruso-like move in terms of taking the lead in the playoffs.
NBA legend Carmelo Anthony has high praise for Cleveland getting Ball. Anthony believes Ball is the key to the Cavs’ success this season.
“I think Lonzo Ball is the key to helping them a lot. He’s the key to helping them be successful.
“He’s not going to play back-to-backs, but we know Lonzo Ball can play 20-something minutes a game.
“The reason I say Lonzo is what he brings to the game. He can play defense and is a 6-foot-6 point guard. His IQ is one of the best in the NBA.”
“He sees everything, he’s a floor general and he can score on the basketball if needed.
“If you get 60-70 percent of Lonzo Ball, what we know he can do, what he’s capable of, this team in Cleveland is going to be dangerous. And then if Mobley makes that leap.”
The Cavaliers know they’re giving Ball a chance.
Ball has a history of season-ending injuries, including a two-year knee injury that threatened to end his career.
But the Cavaliers value Ball’s all-around impact and ability to elevate the game of his teammates.
In the final preseason game, Ball excelled. He had 9 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 20 minutes. He was able to torment the Detroit Pistons’ defense and increase the tempo to find his teammates.
Defensively, Ball raises the ceiling for the Cavaliers’ defense. He is an elite point-of-attack defender and provides excellent help defense in the Cavaliers’ backcourt.
If Ball can stay healthy, he could be a big contributor for the Cavaliers this season.