Coming into the offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers were facing countless questions about the future of Ty Jerome. The veteran guard had enjoyed a career year with the franchise, finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
However, Jerome was heading for the free agency market, and re-signing him would have been costly for the Cavaliers on multiple levels. So, Koby Altman made a move on the trade market. He flipped Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in return for Lonzo Ball. Jerome has since signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.
In a recent article for NBA.com, Briant Martin praised the Cavaliers for the addition of the former Los Angeles Lakers ball-handler.
“When Cleveland lost Ty Jerome in free agency, the Cavs had a hole in their backcourt bench and acquired Ball from Chicago in exchange for Isaac Okoro,” Martin wrote. “Ball returned to the court last season after missing the previous two seasons with a left knee injury that required multiple surgeries to repair…Ball’s return to the court after missing over 1,000 days was a triumph in and of itself. Now, he has an opportunity to continue working his way back to his full potential on a title contender.”
Ball, if healthy, could potentially emerge as an upgrade over Jerome, especially on defense, where Ball is one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the NBA.
Cavaliers’ Lonzo Ball Gets Real on Injury Issues
During his introductory news conference with the Cavaliers, Ball gave an honest and well-thought-out answer regarding his recent injury struggles.
“Basketball is my life,” Ball said. “I’ve been playing since I was six years old, so about 20 years in now. It’s really all I know, so I’m just thankful and, like I said, blessed to be able to just be here playing for anybody, let alone the Cavs…It’s really been more so my body more than my game, honestly.”
Ball continued.
“I’m just making sure I’m prepared to be as available as possible and put myself in the best position to finish the season strong…June and July, it’s not really about basketball for me at this moment. You know, it’s more so just in the weight room, making sure my lower body is good and stuff like that.”
Ball has struggled with a knee issue for the past few years. And, upon returning to the Bulls rotation last season, a wrist injury derailed what was supposed to be his bounce-back season.
Ball Looking Forward to Contending in Cleveland
During an appearance on the “What an Experience” podcast, Ball discussed the excitement of joining a team that is firmly in the championship discussion.
“Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal, I feel like that is the goal,” Ball said. “So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.”
Cleveland dominated the regular season during the 2024-25 campaign. However, the roster fell short in the playoffs. The hope will now be that with Ball leading the second unit, there is more balance in the half-court.
Ball could prove to be a potential swing factor in the Cavaliers’ search for a championship. The question is whether he can stay healthy for a full season. Time will tell.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cavaliers Receive Praise For Key Offseason Addition appeared first on Heavy Sports.