Lonzo Ball: Trade To Cavs Was A Blessing

Cavaliers newcomer Lonzo Ball says he’s excited about the opportunity that is headed his way.

“Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal, I feel like that is the goal,” Ball said, on the What an Experience podcast. “So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.“

Ball was acquired from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for wing Issac Okoro. With Darius Garland (toe) injured and expected to miss the start of the season, and Ty Jerome signing with the Memphis Grizzlies, Ball could see a significant role right away.

That said, he played in just 35 games last season after hurting his wrist. He missed the two seasons before that with a mysterious knee injury. So this is a fresh start in more ways than one.

“I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro. To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade,” he said. “I’m like, I’m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring.”

The Cavs finished 64-18 last season before falling to the Indiana Pacers in five games in the second round.

If Ball can stay on the court, he theoretically becomes the big guard who runs the point and isn’t bothered by the increased physicality of the playoffs.

ESPN and a few other outlets already have the Cavs pegged as Eastern Conference favorites.

“My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games,” he said. “So I feel like I’m going to a great situation and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.”

Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this past season, shooting 36.6% from the field and 34.4% on 3-pointers.