Lonzo Ball didn't really move that far this offseason.
He went from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers, one Midwest city for another.
The move might've shifted the entire balance of power in the Eastern Conference, though.
With the Bulls, Ball was a solid contributor for a middling team.
With the Cavs, Ball might be the guy that puts them over the top.
"Don’t overlook Lonzo Ball, quite possibly the most underrated summer pickup," writes Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.
Last season, Ball played in 35 games with Chicago. He averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot 34.4% from 3-point range.
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Ball has been balling out in the preseason, throwing dimes left and right to a number of different Cavs who clearly recognize already that if they get even a little bit open, Ball will find them.
The Cavs will need health from Lonzo, of course. He's never played more than 63 games in a season. And he didn't play at all in 2022-23 or 2023-24 before getting back on the floor for his 35 games with the Bulls in 2024-25.
The Bulls weren't necessarily in a position to keep Ball. They've got guards they want to give minutes to, and letting him leave wasn't illogical.
But it's a departure from Chicago that could pay absolutely huge dividends in Cleveland if Ball can stay on the floor and play up to his potential.
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