Cleveland Caps Lonzo Ball’s Minutes; Pelicans Trim Roster; Magic Sign Jalen Crutcher
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CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers will open the season with Lonzo Ball on a strict minutes plan, limiting the veteran point guard to roughly 20 minutes per game and holding him out of both ends of back-to-back sets, head coach Kenny Atkinson said Monday.
“Back-to-backs are off the table for right now,” Ball told reporters, adding that the restriction could be revisited later in the year.
The schedule was drawn up jointly by front-office executives, the medical staff and Ball, who sat out nearly three full seasons after multiple knee surgeries. Last year in Chicago he averaged 22.2 minutes across 35 appearances before a wrist problem, not his knee, forced intermittent shutdowns.
Acquired from the Bulls in the summer deal that sent Isaac Okoro to Chicago, Ball has received early praise from his new club for his defense, court vision and overall fit. “He hasn’t disappointed,” Atkinson said. “Everything we thought we were getting, we’re getting.” Ball is expected to guide Cleveland’s second unit following Ty Jerome’s move to Memphis.
Pelicans Waive Brooks and McDaniels
New Orleans released forwards Garrison Brooks and Jalen McDaniels, the team announced. Both players are expected to report to the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. If they remain with the affiliate for at least 60 days, they are eligible for Exhibit 10 bonuses worth up to $85,300.
Magic Add Jalen Crutcher on Exhibit 10 Deal
Orlando has signed guard Jalen Crutcher to an Exhibit 10 contract shortly after waiving Johnell Davis, keeping the training-camp roster at 21. Crutcher has spent most of his career in the G League and logged 2.7 minutes in his lone NBA game with the Pelicans in 2024.
Source: Hoops Wire
