The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off one of the most intriguing moves of the summer by going for former Los Angeles Lakers star Lonzo Ball. However, the now 27-year-old has had consistent trouble with his left knee and joins the Cavs after a 38-game season with the Chicago Bulls.
Considering that was after two full seasons missed, the Cavs have every right to be careful with his playing time, something they seem intent on being.The Cavaliers are implementing a workload management schedule for Lonzo Ball to help him return to form while minimizing risk,
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Ball is unlikely to play in back-to-backs and will have his minutes carefully managed during stretches that feature multiple games in a short span.
“I know that the Cavs are having conversations as an organization about no back-to-backs for Lonzo Ball. 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,” Fedor said on the Wine and Gold Podcast.
The Cavaliers expect Ball to step into the role vacated by Ty Jerome, who had a breakout year but has since joined the Memphis Grizzlies. On paper, Ball may be the perfect replacement, and even a considerable upgrade.
However, what that translates in practice will be down to how well Lonzo Ball re-integrates into the NBA grind. Having only played 35 games since January 2022, Ball remains in recovery mode despite continued workouts and individual training. The player himself is aiming high, claiming that getting a ring will be the aim.
“[The Cavs] were [the No. 1 seed] in the East last year, so everybody knows that it’s pretty much ring or nothing,” Lonzo Ball said.
For now however, the player will be focussed on getting back to his best. He showed flashes of his past self last season, averaging 7.6 points, 3.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game on more than 50% shooting efficiency. Now, it will be about improving those numbers while staying consistently fit.
