Koby Altman and the Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a calculated risk in acquiring Lonzo Ball. The playmaking guard has struggled with injuries over the last three years, missing the entirety of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers will likely put a plan in place to manage Ball’s fitness and availability next season. That play will most likely entail sitting the 27-year-old in back-to-backs and managing his minutes during stretches of multiple games in a week.
“I know that the Cavs are having conversations as an organization about no back-to-backs for Lonzo Ball,” Fedor said via the Wine and Gold Podcast. “If it’s three games in four nights, be cognizant of that when it comes to Lonzo. If it’s five in seven, be cognizant of that when it comes to Lonzo.”
Ball will be expected to replace Ty Jerome, who enjoyed a breakout season under Kenny Atkinson during the last campaign. Jerome has since signed with the Memphis Grizzlies. On paper, Ball should be a better fit for the Cavaliers’ style of play. He will keep the ball moving, hit his perimeter shots, and provide high-level perimeter defense.
Cavaliers Excited Over New Additions
Ball isn’t the only new face on the Cavaliers roster. He’s joined by Larry Nance Jr., who has signed on for his second tenure with his hometown team. When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, a member of Cleveland’s front office explained why the franchise is happy with those two new additions.
“It’s hard being a second apron team, but we think we did well to add some talent,” The front office member said. “Thrilled to bring Sam Merrill back. We value his shooting so much. Lonzo (Ball) is really going to help us. He gives us more size and defense in the backcourt, and his passing will be so great for all of our guys.”
The front office member continued.
“Larry (Nance Jr.) is going to really help our frontcourt a lot. He can play either big spot, and that’s huge in a rotation with Evan (Mobley) and Jarrett (Allen). We’re also excited about Tyrese Proctor, too. We think he was a tremendous value pick in the second round.”
Both Nance and Ball should help elevate the Cavaliers’ overall ceiling. Both help plug gaps from last season’s rotation, and both will feel like they have a point to prove. Of course, they will need to prove themselves once the 2025-26 season gets underway.
Cavaliers Aiming for a Five-Year Window
In a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, NBA Insider Brian Windhorst explained how the Cavaliers are building toward a five-year title window.
“The Cavs are making maneuvers to open up a five-year run here,” Windhorst said. “Don’t hold me to five, but they’re trying to make a run with this group… They believe this is a championship roster. I believe this team has the core of a championship roster. There’s a few things they need to improve on, but I think what they’re doing is they’re trying to set a four or five-year window here where they can go for it”
As a second apron luxury tax team, keeping a contending window open for that long will be a tough task. We’ve already seen how the penalties associated with being in the second apron have led the Boston Celtics to tear down a championship-winning roster. As such, the Cavaliers must prove their championship credentials for the current roster to be viewed as a long-term dynasty, despite the associated costs.
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