NBA Notes: Cavs, Lonzo Ball, Celtics, Anfernee Simons, Rockets

Cavaliers

Lonzo Ball is still finding his rhythm — and his fit — in Cleveland.

The veteran guard, acquired from the Bulls in July, said he’s grateful to land with a contender and believes the trade benefitted both sides.

“I think teams trade to try to get better, so Chicago did what was best for them, and I think Cleveland did what they thought was best for them,” Ball said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “So all I can control is where I’m at and who I’m playing for, and that’s the Cavs right now. Go out there and give them my all.”

Ball, 27, appeared in 35 games last season after missing two and a half years with recurring knee issues. The Cavaliers plan to manage his workload carefully, limiting his minutes and likely keeping him out of back-to-backs.

He received a warm reception in his return to Chicago this week, complete with a tribute video and a loud ovation. “Thankful, man,” Ball said. “Loved the city of Chicago, and as you can see, the fans still rock with me. A lot of love to them.”

Celtics

Anfernee Simons made his Celtics preseason debut Friday night and showed flashes of what Boston traded for.

Simons scored 18 points with three assists in 26 minutes but also picked up three fouls in the opening five minutes. He admitted to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe that the nerves were real early on.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I think in the second half I calmed down and started to play my game a little bit more,” he said. “I was nervous about being back out there and a new team.”

The Celtics are expected to use Simons as a key offensive weapon alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown this season.

Rockets

Kevin Durant’s first game with the Rockets looked like anything but an adjustment period.

As William Guillory of The Athletic noted, Durant and Alperen Sengun already displayed strong chemistry in their debut together Wednesday, running a smooth two-man game that gave opposing defenders problems.

Guillory even suggested Sengun might be the most skilled center Durant has played alongside — a statement that says plenty given KD’s history of frontcourt partners.

The early returns? Houston’s offense could be scary once it all gels.