Lonzo Ball Already Turning Head At Cleveland Cavaliers’ Training Camp

For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the headlines surrounding Lonzo Ball are about his performance on the court, not his recovery off it. After a grueling two-year absence due to devastating knee injuries, Ball is back, and the early reports from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ training camp are overwhelmingly positive. Traded from the Chicago Bulls in the offseason, the veteran point guard is already turning heads, earning praise from coaches and teammates, and positioning himself to be a crucial part of the team’s championship aspirations.

This article will dive into the reports from Lonzo Ball’s Cleveland Cavaliers training camp, exploring his remarkable comeback, the high praise he’s receiving, and the vital role he is expected to play for a team with its eyes on an NBA title.

Lonzo Ball: A Long Road Back to the Court

To understand the significance of Ball’s return, one must first appreciate the journey. What started as a knee issue in January 2022 spiraled into a multi-year ordeal involving multiple surgeries, including a rare cartilage transplant. For over two full seasons, one of the league’s most promising young guards was sidelined, with many questioning if he would ever play professional basketball again.

Ball made his return to the court with the Chicago Bulls during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 35 games. While his stats were modest—averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists—the simple act of being on the floor was a monumental victory. He showed flashes of the elite defender and high-IQ playmaker he was before the injuries, proving he still had something left to give.

That progress has not only continued but accelerated in his new home. The Cavaliers took a calculated risk, trading the younger Isaac Okoro for Ball, betting that his experience and unique skill set would be a better fit for their win-now roster. Early signs indicate that their gamble is paying off.

“Really Impressing His New Cavs Teammates”

The buzz out of Cleveland’s camp is palpable. According to multiple reports, Ball has been a standout performer, showcasing not just his health but the elite basketball mind that made him such a coveted player. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Ball is “really impressing his new Cavs teammates and coaching staff.”

Head Coach Kenny Atkinson, known for his player development skills, has been particularly effusive in his praise. Windhorst noted that Atkinson was “raving about his leadership and basketball IQ that he’s already impressed him with.” This is exactly what the Cavaliers hoped for when they acquired him. While the team is built around the explosive scoring of Donovan Mitchell and the versatile frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, it needed a stabilizing, high-IQ veteran to orchestrate the offense and elevate the defense.

Ball’s value has always extended far beyond the box score. His ability to anticipate plays, organize the defense, and make the right pass at the right time are qualities that make everyone around him better. These are the intangible skills that his new teammates and coaches are already witnessing firsthand.

A Crucial Role, Right from the Start

While Ball was initially projected to be a key leader for the second unit, circumstances have thrust him into an even more prominent role immediately. With starting point guard Darius Garland expected to miss the beginning of the season as he recovers from toe surgery, Ball is likely to step into the starting lineup.

This situation, though unfortunate for Garland, provides a perfect opportunity for Ball to reintegrate himself at the highest level and build chemistry with the team’s core players. Windhorst compared the acquisition to recent championship-winning moves, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder acquiring Alex Caruso or the Boston Celtics trading for Jrue Holiday.

“The Cavs view this as like their Alex Caruso move, like their Jrue Holiday move,” Windhorst explained. “The last two champions had moves like that right before the season.”

The comparison is apt. Like Caruso and Holiday, Ball is a defensive-minded guard whose impact is not measured in points per game. He is a connector—a player who fills gaps, elevates the team’s defensive intensity, and brings a steady hand to the offense. His role in Cleveland isn’t to be a star; it’s to be the glue that holds the stars together.

What Ball Brings to the Cavaliers Bench (and Beyond)

Once Garland returns, Ball is expected to transition into a leadership role for the Cavaliers’ bench unit, a position where his skill set can truly shine. As the primary playmaker for the second unit, he can control the pace of the game, create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, and ensure there is no drop-off when the starters rest.

Here’s what he adds to the rotation:

• Elite Perimeter Defense: At 6’6″ with quick hands and exceptional instincts, Ball is a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He can take pressure off Donovan Mitchell on the defensive end and disrupt opposing offenses.
• High-Level Playmaking: Ball is one of the best passers in the league. His court vision and willingness to make the extra pass are contagious and will help generate a more fluid and efficient offense.
• Improved Floor Spacing: In his last healthy season with the Bulls, Ball shot an impressive 42.3% from three-point range on high volume. If he can replicate that efficiency, he will provide much-needed floor spacing for Mitchell and Mobley to operate.
• Veteran Leadership: Having been in the league since 2017, Ball brings a level of experience and calm that will be invaluable in high-pressure situations and during the playoffs.

Conclusion

Lonzo Ball’s journey has been one of incredible perseverance. After years of setbacks and uncertainty, he has a chance to write the most meaningful chapter of his career in Cleveland. The early reports from Lonzo Ball’s Cleveland Cavaliers training camp are not just encouraging; they are a sign that the team may have found the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

He doesn’t need to be the 20-point scorer he was once projected to be. The Cavaliers need his defense, his intelligence, and his leadership. By all accounts, he is delivering on all fronts. As he continues to impress and prove his health, Lonzo Ball is poised to be more than just a comeback story; he is set to be a vital contributor to a team with legitimate title hopes.