The Cleveland Cavaliers will have new backcourt support in 2025-26, and head coach Kenny Atkinson is very excited about it.
Speaking to SiriusXM NBA Radio, Atkinson talked about Lonzo Ball, the team’s big offseason acquisition.
“IQ translates in the playoffs, and [Lonzo Ball’s] an extremely high IQ player. Very underrated defensive player. He’ll get three steals in 10 minutes before you know it. He’s great in the transition game. Great with the kick-ahead passing. He makes other people better. When Koby [Altman] said we’ve got a chance to get this guy, I just kept texting him every five minutes, ‘Is it done yet?’ He plays the game the right way. All the feedback from Evan Mobley and Donovan, they’re like this is a guy we want to play with. That isn’t always the case when you bring in someone new. It made us a better team,” Atkinson said.
"He plays the game the right way."
Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson shares what Lonzo Ball brings to Cleveland with @TermineRadio, @Jumpshot8, and Ryan McDonough pic.twitter.com/KF3rJqStzr
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 11, 2025
The upcoming season may be a huge one for Ball, who hasn’t been his regular self lately.
Last season, he posted an average of 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for the Chicago Bulls.
Ball was still recovering from his long-term injury, and it became clear that he wasn’t at 100 percent.
It was also obvious that the Bulls had moved on from him and found an identity without him.
Therefore, a move to a new team wasn’t very surprising.
The Cavs might provide Ball with a golden opportunity, a chance to start a new chapter, put the past behind him, and remind everyone what he is capable of.
Atkinson loves the way that Ball plays, which is very good news.
That means the guard could get plenty of time on the court and become a crucial part of his new team’s lineup.
NEXT: Kenny Atkinson Reveals Honest Thoughts About Jaylon Tyson
