NBA Notes: Cavs, Lonzo Ball, Pelicans, Magic

Cavaliers

In case you missed it earlier, the Cavaliers are taking a cautious approach to Lonzo Ball’s workload this fall. Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com offered more details.

Basically, the veteran point guard will be limited to about 20 minutes per night and won’t play both ends of back-to-back sets — at least early in the season.

“Back-to-backs are off the table for right now,” Ball said Monday. “Doesn’t mean it’s off the table for the whole year, but definitely the start.”

The plan was put together collaboratively by team decision-makers, medical staff and Ball himself, who missed nearly three full seasons after a series of knee surgeries.

He returned in Chicago last year, averaging 22.2 minutes over 35 games, and was shut down at times with wrist issues rather than knee setbacks.

Ball has impressed Cleveland early after being acquired in the Isaac Okoro trade this summer. Teammates and coaches have praised his defense, vision and fit.

“He hasn’t disappointed,” coach Kenny Atkinson said. “Everything that we thought we were getting, we’re getting.”

Ball is expected to anchor the second unit following the departure of Ty Jerome to Memphis.

Pelicans

The Pelicans have waived Garrison Brooks and Jalen McDaniels, the team announced. Both are expected to join New Orleans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, and could receive Exhibit 10 bonuses of up to $85,300 if they remain with the club for 60 days.

Magic

The Magic confirmed the signing of free agent guard Jalen Crutcher to an Exhibit 10 deal. The move came shortly after the team waived Johnell Davis, bringing Orlando’s camp roster back to 21 players.

Crutcher has spent most of his pro career in the G League and has appeared in just one NBA game, logging 2.7 minutes with New Orleans in 2024.