Cavs’ newcomers making early impressions at camp

The Cavaliers didn’t have the flexibility to chase stars this summer, but that didn’t stop them from finding useful pieces.

With the core locked in and the team sitting as the NBA’s only second-apron club, Cleveland focused on tweaks around the edges. And so far, those tweaks are reportedly looking sharp.

Larry Nance Jr., Lonzo Ball, Thomas Bryant and rookie Tyrese Proctor have all stood out through the early stages of training camp, as relayed by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.

Nance, back in Cleveland colors after a strong but injury-shortened run with Atlanta, has been firing away from deep with confidence — something that caught the Cavs’ eye in free agency.

Bryant, the 6-foot-10 big man who rounded out the team’s summer signings, has brought energy and toughness to a frontcourt that’s already pretty doggone good with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

Proctor, the 49th pick in June’s draft, faces the usual rookie uphill climb for minutes, but he’s earned plenty of praise for his poise and polish.

Coaches and teammates alike have noted how quickly he’s picking things up, even as he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA game.

And then there’s Ball, the headliner of Cleveland’s offseason. Without a doubt, he’s been severely hampered by injuries for three years.

But his feel and IQ have been on full display since the opening days of camp.

“Lonzo’s great,” Donovan Mitchell said, per Fedor. “He’s a calm, cool presence. His IQ is on a whole other level. He throws full court like he’s back at Chino Hills.

“Making great plays and being in the gaps defensively. He’s going to get a lot of those stops. He’s going to do a lot of different things on the floor. He’s a big piece for us.”

Ball’s injury history means the Cavs will be cautious with his workload. Still, coach Kenny Atkinson couldn’t hide his excitement.

“He hasn’t disappointed,” Atkinson said. “Everything that we thought we were getting, we’re getting. He’s just got a great, great feel. I’m excited to coach any NBA player, but this is a guy I’ve watched for a long time. He’s kind of the ultimate system fit.”

For a team banking on continuity, it’s the little moves like these that could make a big difference.