The Cleveland Cavaliers’ training camp in Sarasota, Florida, has been buzzing with anticipation, optimism, and a sense of unfinished business after last season’s 64-win campaign. Yet, amidst the familiar faces of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, it’s a new addition—Lonzo Ball—who’s been stealing the spotlight and turning heads with his play, determination, and resilience.
Ball’s arrival in Cleveland was one of the more intriguing storylines of the NBA offseason. Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bulls for Isaac Okoro, the 27-year-old guard brings with him a mix of high expectations, skepticism, and a compelling narrative of redemption. His career, once full of promise as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, has been marred by persistent knee injuries that nearly forced him into early retirement. Over the past four seasons, Ball has suited up for only 70 games, with two full campaigns lost to injury. But after returning to play 35 games last year, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 22.1 minutes per game, Ball is eager to prove he still belongs among the league’s elite guards.
Early impressions from the Cavaliers’ camp at IMG Academy have been overwhelmingly positive. Chris Fedor, the Cavs beat reporter for cleveland.com, has been a consistent voice documenting Ball’s resurgence. On the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Fedor shared, “From what I continue to hear, Lonzo Ball is somebody who continues to turn heads. He continues to show how he can be an effective fit for this team. Obviously there are questions about how much he is going to play in the regular season. Is he going to play back-to-backs? Can he make it through a regular season fully healthy? But he’s showing glimpses of why, number one, he’s a better, more impactful player than Isaac Okoro.”
That’s high praise, especially considering Okoro’s five-year tenure as a key role player in Cleveland. Ball’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been evident in camp. His elite playmaking, ball handling, and perimeter defense have not gone unnoticed by teammates or the coaching staff. Head coach Kenny Atkinson echoed Fedor’s sentiments, stating, “He hasn’t disappointed. It’s kind of everything that we thought we were getting. The IQ stands out. He was setting some inverted screens for Evan [Mobley] today, and just the angle of the screen, when to flip the screen; he’s just got a great, great feel.”
Ball’s feel for the game has always been his calling card. While he’s never been a prolific scorer, his ability to orchestrate an offense, defend multiple positions, and make quick, smart decisions has made him a coveted connector on every roster he’s joined. His peak came in the 2020-21 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on 41.4% shooting. Since then, his journey has been anything but smooth, with injuries threatening to derail his career. Ball himself has admitted that the pain almost pushed him to retire, but his perseverance and commitment to rehabilitation have brought him to this pivotal moment in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers are taking a measured approach to Ball’s workload. With questions lingering about his ability to play back-to-back games and handle the grind of a full NBA season, the team is expected to manage his minutes carefully. Last season in Chicago, Ball started just 14 games, embracing a role off the bench and providing stability to the second unit. That’s likely where he’ll begin his tenure in Cleveland, though his performance in camp has some speculating that he could push for more significant minutes as the season progresses.
The camp itself has been a blend of hard work and camaraderie. After a week of intense training sessions, film study, team dinners, and even some lighthearted moments like cornhole tournaments and baseball batting practice, the Cavaliers have fostered the kind of chemistry that championship teams are built on. It’s their second consecutive training camp in Florida’s sun coast, and the atmosphere has been one of focus and unity. Ball’s integration into this environment has been seamless, and his presence is already addressing some of the rotation issues that plagued the team in the past.
Alongside Ball, the Cavaliers have welcomed other new faces this offseason, including Tyrese Proctor, a recent second-round pick out of Duke, and the return of Larry Nance Jr. Both are expected to play supporting roles, but it’s Ball who has emerged as the most talked-about addition. “If Ball is someone who can come off the bench and impact the game in a positive way, many rotation issues from previous seasons may be solved,” wrote one team observer. The hope is that Ball’s veteran savvy and defensive intensity can complement the offensive firepower of Mitchell and Garland, while also providing insurance against injuries or slumps among the starters.
Of course, the central question remains Ball’s health. The Cavaliers are in a championship-or-bust year, and while Ball’s talent is undeniable, his ability to stay on the court will ultimately determine the success of this gamble. “The major question around Ball aren’t about his ability as a player, there is no doubt the former social media sensation can play. Injuries are the biggest issue across his career, and what will make Cleveland most nervous about his addition,” noted another report. If Ball can stay healthy and give the Cavaliers consistent minutes, not only will his comeback be one of the feel-good stories of the NBA season, but he could also be the X-factor that pushes Cleveland closer to another NBA Finals appearance.
It’s still early days, and a few promising practices at camp don’t guarantee a long, injury-free season. But for now, Lonzo Ball is doing everything right—turning heads, earning trust, and showing why the Cavaliers were willing to roll the dice on his talent. As Cleveland wraps up its week at IMG Academy and turns its focus to preseason games, the basketball world will be watching to see if Ball’s comeback arc can continue to gather steam. If he does, the Cavaliers might just have found the missing piece for their championship puzzle.
