Cavaliers count on Lonzo Ball’s two-way game, De’Andre Hunter’s leap and Koby Altman’s plan to push playoff ceiling
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The Cleveland Cavaliers made it clear Monday that acquiring Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls was about championship ambitions, not roster depth. The deal, which shipped Isaac Okoro to Chicago, brings in a 6-foot-6 guard who believes his strengths align with the franchise’s postseason goals.
“I’m happy to be in Cleveland and ready to do what I can to compete for a championship,” Ball said during media day.
The Cavaliers won 64 games last season yet fell short of a deep playoff run. Ball, 26, said he is not “the missing piece,” but intends to “play defense, hit open shots and not turn the ball over.” The former No. 2 pick profiles as a defense-first facilitator, contrasting with recent Cleveland reserves such as Ty Jerome, Caris LeVert and Ricky Rubio.
Health remains Ball’s biggest hurdle. A knee injury sidelined him for two full seasons before he returned last year, when a wrist issue limited him to 35 games. “It’s an ongoing conversation with me and the staff,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing as many games as possible.”
Hunter’s expanded role
Head coach Kenny Atkinson flew to Los Angeles this summer to work with forward De’Andre Hunter, a gesture Hunter called “huge” for their relationship. Acquired on Feb. 7, Hunter had little time to integrate before the Cavaliers’ 15-game winning streak late last season.
With Darius Garland recovering from toe surgery and Max Strus also sidelined, Hunter is in line for the first shot at the starting small-forward spot. “Night and day,” Atkinson said of Hunter’s comfort level compared with last year. The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 14.3 points on 48.5 percent shooting, including 42.6 percent from three-point range, and teammates say he has stood out in voluntary workouts.
Atkinson added, “You could argue he’s been our best player in the offseason.” Hunter, often labeled an introvert, said he plans to become more vocal with Tristan Thompson unavailable and Strus rehabbing.
Altman outlines priorities
President of basketball operations Koby Altman said the franchise’s next step goes beyond returning to the postseason. “We have to get better,” he said. “We have to start using some of the strategies we want to use in the playoffs.”
Altman listed three internal targets:
- Evan Mobley expanding as a shot creator and playmaker after averaging 18.5 points and 3 assists last season.
- Garland, expected to miss roughly the first month following toe surgery, using added strength to finish stronger at the rim.
- Donovan Mitchell handling more point-guard duties alongside Ball until Garland returns.
The Cavaliers are also testing defensive wrinkles—such as zone looks and presses—during the regular season to prepare for spring basketball. “Playoff success is ultimately where we want to land,” Altman said.
Source: Hoops Wire
