The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Lonzo Ball because they feel like he can help raise their ceiling in the playoffs.
It turns out the feeling is mutual.
“I was excited,” said Ball on the trade. “I’m happy to be in Cleveland, happy to be on this team, and to do what I can to compete for a championship.“
Ball joins a Cavalier squad that won 64 games the year before. This is a roster that has experienced monumental success in the regular season — but is still looking for its shining moment in the playoffs.
Ball is eager to help them earn that.
“I wouldn’t say I’m the missing piece,” said Ball during media day. “But I just think that I’m here to help win a championship, to do my part, and be a good teammate.”
This iteration of the Cavaliers hasn’t had a player like Ball on their bench. He isn’t a microwave scorer like Ty Jerome or Caris LeVert. He doesn’t have the same defensive limitations as Ricky Rubio did. Ball is a totally different archetype that can check all of the most important boxes for playoff success.
“My game is pretty simple,” said Ball. “Play defense, hit open shots and don’t turn the ball over. Those are my three main points, and I just go from there.”
Every championship team needs a role player who can hit on those three skills. An efficient, defensive-oriented ball-handler is a recipe for success in the modern NBA. Recent championship players like Alex Caruso and Jrue Holiday are the blueprint to what Cleveland is looking to replicate with Ball.
Still, it’s no secret that trading for Ball comes with a risk.
Ball has suffered several season-ending injuries across his career, including a two-year knee injury leading up to last season. He will have to prove that he can stay healthy long-term if any of this is going to work out.
“It’s an ongoing conversation with me and the staff,” said Ball. “It depends on how I’m feeling, but I’m looking forward to playing as many games as possible.”
Ball has the benefit of spending an entire offseason without any new injuries. This is the type of summer he hasn’t enjoyed in multiple years. This has allowed Ball to approach his workouts with a greater purpose.
“It’s a breath of fresh air to go through workouts normally,” said Ball. “I’ve been doing everything with the team; I haven’t had any setbacks.”
There is immense pressure on Ball and the Cavaliers to win this season. A full year of health, capped off with a championship, would cement this team forever. The opposite, another postseason blunder, could stain them.
But Ball isn’t overly worried about how this season will impact his overall legacy. His focus is on putting his best foot forward — and letting the rest sort itself out.
“Legacy really just depends on when you look back at your life in the mirror, and if you’re happy with yourself, then that’s all that matters.”
