Everyone agrees that the Cleveland Cavaliers are close to being championship contenders, but how close?
Do they only need one missing piece to make that sort of success possible?
And is Lonzo Ball that missing piece?
Writing for CBS Sports, Brad Botkin raved about the acquisition of Lonzo Ball during the summer, calling it one of the best under-the-radar offseason moves in the league.
“We should be looking at this team like we did when the Thunder had a second-round exit in 2024. A margin move away. And Ball was quite the margin move. Say nothing of the financial victory of replacing Isaac Okoro, who is guaranteed $11 million and change for the next two years with Ball’s $10 million expiring contract, the Cavs are finally getting the two-way player they have long sought,” Botkin wrote. “Now, Ball isn’t an every-night player at this point. But if all goes well, his impact can be exponential in the playoffs with more days off and less reason for restriction. He won’t be the reason Cleveland wins the East, if in fact the Cavs do, but he could play a major role in getting them over the top.”
Last season, Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Chicago Bulls.
It’s worth noting that it was his first season back in two years, and he only played in 35 games as he found his footing and focused on a complete recovery.
The hope is that Ball will be in even better shape for the Cavaliers and able to produce more.
No one expects Ball to be someone who starts in every game, or even plays every night.
If he is able to, that would be a pleasant surprise, but it’s not what Cleveland has in mind.
They want him to contribute, and they want his years of experience and offensive skills.
They see him as someone with a decent contract and a lot of upside – and they do believe he could be that missing piece they have wanted for so long.
NEXT: Cavs Make Notable Jump In Eastern Conference Power Rankings
