How Tyrese Proctor and Lonzo Ball Can Help the Cavaliers

Koby Altman and company stayed aggressive in their search to improve the roster.

These moves don’t come without risk, but they address a few questions that had been lingering in the rotation. After the news that Sam Merrill is intending to re-sign with the Cavs for four years worth $38 million, Ty Jerome is the only loss last year’s guard rotation.

Jerome signed a three-year, $28 million deal to go to the Memphis Grizzlies.

TYRESE PROCTOR OVERVIEW

*2024-2025 season stats*

• GUARD | DUKE | 6’4″ | 183 LBS | 21 YRS OLD

• * 12.4 PPG  2.2 APG  3.0 RPG  0.8 SPG  58.7 TS%  40.5 3PT%  29.9 MINUTES PER GAME (38 games)

Proctor fits into the Cavs’ rotation like a glove.

60% of his shots in his junior season came from deep, which plays directly into Head Coach Kenny Atkinson’s system. 45.7% of Cleveland’s shots came from three-point land during the regular season.

As an older rookie, Proctor may be able to use his college experience to benefit the Cavs sooner rather than later.

Proctor spent 32% of his time on the court spotting up, where he scored a wonderful 1.24 PPP (Points Per Possession). He was also used as a pick-and-roll ball handler and scored a solid 0.95 PPP.

Cleveland’s latest additions mixed in with the second apron restrictions caused the departure of Jerome. Somebody has to fill the shoes of the former backup point guard.

The former Duke guard’s best path towards playing time would likely come during the staggered Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell lineups. Proctor could have his role simplified by playing alongside Mitchell.

His floor spacing ability could prove beneficial next to the All-NBA guard.  Although Atkinson wasn’t afraid of closing games with all of Garland, Mitchell, and Jerome, if Ty had the hot hand.

LONZO BALL OVERVIEW

*2024-2025 season stats*

• GUARD | 6’6″ | 190 LBS | 27 YRS OLD

• * 7.6 PPG  3.3 APG  3.4 RPG  1.3 SPG  52.4 TS%  34.4 3PT%  22.2 MINUTES PER GAME (35 games)

Lonzo Ball, the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft, has had a roller coaster of a career.

At his best, he’s one of the best defensive guards in the league, and developed into a 36.2% 3pt shooter in 6.4 attempts for a career. Unfortunately, he has struggled to stay on the court due to injuries.

Of the last three seasons, Ball has appeared in 35/246 games (14.2% of total possible games).

Ball shines playing in transition, which meshes well with his defensive playmaking skills. He loves to get his teammates involved with quick, sharp passes.

Lonzo competes for defensive rebounds, which combined with his playmaking abilities, will juice Cleveland’s strong transition game.

The former UCLA guard has wrestled with efficiency in his career. In six seasons, he has only managed a 51.4 TS%, which is well below the league average (Last season’s league average TS% was 57.6%).

In Cleveland, Lonzo’s role will be smaller than what he’s used to. This could allow him to focus on being more efficient while simultaneously benefiting from playing with the number one seed from the Eastern Conference.

Think about the successful teams from this year’s playoffs. Imagine Lonzo in a similar role to players like Luguentz Dort, Aaron Nesmith, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, or Josh Hart. Players who like doing the dirty work, applying pressure, and making hustle plays.

Ball could be the Cavs’ version of this type of player.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CAVALIERS?

Koby Altman has addressed many of the issues that Cleveland was facing this summer.

By replacing Isaac Okoro with Lonzo Ball, the Cavs add another ball handler who can help deal with defensive pressure. Retaining Sam Merrill keeps a quick-trigger sharpshooter who knows Atkinson’s systems. Tyrese Proctor eases the loss of Ty Jerome while also replenishing the team’s cheap contracts.

With the postseason injuries to Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard, the Eastern Conference has never seemed so up for grabs. As a second apron team, the Cavaliers are not being shy in their mission to reclaim the conference.

Next season will be indicative of the Cavs’ future. Orlando traded for Desmond Bane. Atlanta traded for Kristaps Porzingis. The teams that have resided on the cusp are eyeing the same window that the Cavs are.

The time for the Cleveland Cavaliers is now.