Lonzo Ball is putting together one of the worst shooting seasons in Cavs history
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Lonzo Ball is searching for his form. Photo: Jason Miller/Getty Images
When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Isaac Okoro for Lonzo Ball this offseason, the move was widely cheered.
Why it matters: Ball is a 6-foot-6 floor general with elite passing skills and strong defensive credentials.
- Even with a scary injury history, the assumption was he'd slot in behind Darius Garland as the backup point guard and provide a steady hand for the second unit.
What they're saying: Chris Fedor, the Cleveland.com Cavs beat writer, likened the move to the Oklahoma City Thunder's trade for Alex Caruso the season prior.
- Both players were tenacious defenders joining competitive rosters. And like Caruso, Ball was prophesied as a key to unlocking elusive postseason success.
Reality check: Ball has proven to be the team's most glaring liability.
- His offensive performance — one of the worst shooting seasons in Cavs history — has utterly negated his defensive value.
🫣 By the numbers: Ball's shooting woes are in rarified air. No Cavalier has ever taken more than four three-point attempts per game and shot below 30%.
- In only three partial seasons have players attempted more than three per game and shot below 30%.
- Ball is attempting 4.5 threes per game and shooting only 26%.
His true shooting percentage, which measures efficiency across all field goals and free throws, is a measly 43.4% — the lowest mark in Cleveland since infamous bust Anthony Bennett's rookie season in 2013-2014.
The latest: Ball has been leapfrogged on the depth chart by Craig Porter Jr., whose hustle and athleticism were critical to the team's recent three-game winning streak that was snapped Sunday by the Detroit Pistons.
What's next: Ball's playing time is now a question mark. And if he doesn't get his act together soon, he can expect to be moved before the February trade deadline to a team enticed by his non-guaranteed contract next year.
- Failing that, he can expect to be unceremoniously axed from Cleveland's league-leading payroll this summer.