The Cleveland Cavaliers are considered to be one of the favorites to win the 2026 NBA Championship.
After two straight years of early playoff exits, the pressure is on for the Cleveland Cavaliers to perform and go on a deep playoff run. The Cavaliers have the most expensive core in the NBA.
One of the biggest moves Cleveland made in the offseason was acquiring Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls.
It’s a good gamble the Cavaliers are taking with Ball, who is owed just $20 million over the next two seasons.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesBrian Windhorst says the Cavaliers view their Lonzo Ball acquisition ‘like their Alex Caruso move, like their Jrue Holiday move’
Ball has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
He missed more than two seasons due to a severe left knee injury that required multiple surgeries. He returned in 2024-25, but only played in 35 games with Chicago.
However, when Ball is healthy, he has elite court vision, tremendous transition passing and he is a high-level defensive playmaker.
Brian Windhorst was on NBA Today and he said that the Cavaliers are impressed with Ball so far and they view him as their missing piece.
“I’m very happy to say Lonzo Ball is not injured and is really impressing his new Cavs teammates and coaching staff.
“Kenny Atkinson spoke this week, raving about his leadership and basketball IQ that he’s already impressed him with.
“With Darius Garland expected to miss the start of the season recovering from toe surgery, Lonzo Ball could have a bigger role on the court.
“The Cavs view this as like their Alex Caruso move, like their Jrue Holiday move. The last two champions had moves like that right before the season.”
Lonzo Ball’s role with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Ball seems excited to be with the Cavaliers as he will be the team’s primary backup point guard to lead the second unit.
He fits that same kind of glue guy role, reminiscent of the Celtics trade for Jrue Holiday and the Thunder’s deal for Alex Caruso.
When Darius Garland heads to the bench, Ball will keep the offense moving and will find the cracks in the opposing defenses.
He is also one of the best rebounding guards in the NBA, which addresses an issue the Cavaliers have had.
Also, Ball’s ability to elevate his teammates could evolve the offense to a whole new level.
If the Cavaliers can keep Ball healthy for the playoffs, he could be vital for them on their potential championship run.