The Cleveland Cavaliers are thought-about to be one of many favorites to win the 2026 NBA Championship.
After two straight years of early playoff exits, the stress is on for the Cleveland Cavaliers to carry out and go on a deep playoff run. The Cavaliers have the most costly core within the NBA.
One of many greatest strikes Cleveland made within the offseason was buying Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls.
It’s a very good gamble the Cavaliers are taking with Ball, who’s owed simply $20 million over the following two seasons.
Ball has struggled with accidents all through his profession.
He missed greater than two seasons as a consequence of a extreme left knee damage that required a number of surgical procedures. He returned in 2024-25, however solely performed in 35 video games with Chicago.
Nonetheless, when Ball is wholesome, he has elite court docket imaginative and prescient, large transition passing and he’s a high-level defensive playmaker.
Brian Windhorst was on NBA At this time and he stated that the Cavaliers are impressed with Ball up to now they usually view him as their lacking piece.
“I’m very pleased to say Lonzo Ball shouldn’t be injured and is de facto impressing his new Cavs teammates and training employees.
“Kenny Atkinson spoke this week, raving about his management and basketball IQ that he’s already impressed him with.
“With Darius Garland anticipated to overlook the beginning of the season recovering from toe surgical procedure, Lonzo Ball may have an even bigger position on the court docket.
“The Cavs view this as like their Alex Caruso transfer, like their Jrue Vacation transfer. The final two champions had strikes like that proper earlier than the season.”
Ball appears excited to be with the Cavaliers as he would be the crew’s major backup level guard to guide the second unit.
He matches that very same type of glue man position, harking back to the Celtics commerce for Jrue Vacation and the Thunder’s deal for Alex Caruso.
When Darius Garland heads to the bench, Ball will maintain the offense transferring and can discover the cracks within the opposing defenses.
He’s additionally top-of-the-line rebounding guards within the NBA, which addresses a problem the Cavaliers have had.
Additionally, Ball’s means to raise his teammates may evolve the offense to an entire new degree.
If the Cavaliers can maintain Ball wholesome for the playoffs, he could possibly be important for them on their potential championship run.
