Lonzo Ball was regarded as the best signing by the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer and although he underwhelmed in their first pre-season game when they lost to the Chicago Bulls, 117-118, some important people in the NBA thinks Ball will be important to the Cavs the rest of the way.
Ball was traded to the Cavs for Isaac Okoro. He just recovered from a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury that kept him out for two seasons. He showed promise when he return to the game in October last year. He was eventually extended by the Bulls for two years worth $20 million.
Cavs hired him as a back up to star point guard Darius Garland but for one executive, he thinks the team could have better use of Ball in the starting role to address their lack of height in the frontcourt.
“I think they need to trade Darius,” the anonymous executive said per Roundtable.
“That backcourt is too small with him and Donovan (Mitchell). I love the Lonzo (Ball) trade. If I were Kenny (Atkinson), I would start Lonzo, Donovan, De’Andre (Hunter), Evan (Mobley) and Jarrett (Allen) and trade Darius.
“Sacramento was interested in him before getting Dennis (Schroder) from Detroit. Maybe call them up and see if they want Darius for like Malik (Monk) and salary filler.”
Lonzo Ball, Darius Garland’s main issue is availability
Garland did not play in Cavs’ pre-season game vs Bulls as he is still recovering from a toe surgery. It was reported that he will not play in the four games they will play before the opening night.
Similarly, the 27-year-old Ball won’t be there in the next game, too, as he still does not have the clearance to play back-to-back games.
“Back-to-backs are off the table for right now,” Ball said as quoted by ClutchPoints’ Spencer Davies.
“It doesn’t mean it’s off the table for the whole year, but definitely to start, I won’t be doing back-to-backs. And then, my minutes are probably gonna be around 20 minutes to start and take it from there.”
The trade idea came out of nowhere as it looks like the Cavs will stick with the two for now. The team was the best team in the East in regular season with Garland at the point. He was effective and there might be nothing to fix.
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