Lonzo

Ball

Ball reflected on his NBA career in a podcast appearance that made the rounds Wednesday morning. The 28-year-old point guard spoke about how he had given everything to the game of basketball and even candidly admitted he never reached the peak of his potential due to chronic knee injuries. Still, Ball never explicitly said he was retiring and cleared up confusion over whether he intends to continue his NBA career in a tweet Wednesday. He indicated that he’s waiting for a team to show interest in signing him and also mentioned the length of the NBA season, implying he might be willing to join a team midseason as an injury replacement. For now, it doesn’t seem like the last chapter of Ball’s NBA career has been written just yet.

Ball missed all of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons with knee injuries and wasn’t the same player in his last two seasons. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers, Ball spent two years each with Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago before spending his last season in Cleveland. Ball was selected to the All-Rookie team in 2017-18 and averaged 10.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists across 322 career games in the NBA.

For Cleveland, this trade is about freeing up salary cap space. And with the team acquiring James Harden, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder this week, there was not going to be room for Ball in the rotation. Given Utah’s youth and the presence of Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier on the roster, it’s unsurprising that the Jazz are expected to waive Ball, which would allow him to be an unrestricted free agent.

Porter missed Friday’s loss to the Suns with Lonzo Ball seeing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball wasn’t effective as he made just 1-of-8 field goal attempts. Porter and Ball figure to split backup point guard minutes when both are available, though neither are worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Porter did not play in Friday’s loss to the Suns, resulting in Lonzo Ball playing 25 minutes off the bench. Ball did not play well, shooting 1-of-8 from the field, and there isn’t much to be gained from streaming him if Porter remains out.

Late additions to injury reports are usually not a good sign. Garland has looked good lately and scored 29 points on Tuesday against the Pacers. Lonzo Ball would figure to see the biggest boost in minutes if Garland has to miss time.

Garland is dealing with a left quad contusion, but it’s possible he’ll get a maintenance day as Cleveland plays the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Lonzo Ball (rest) also out, Sam Merrill could see increased run, while Jaylon Tyson should continue to be involved.

Ball had two points, six rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes off the bench against the Spurs on Friday. The 28-year-old point guard will sit out the second game of a back-to-back against the Warriors for injury management reasons. His absence impacts the Cavaliers rotation, but isn’t significant for fantasy basketball.

Friday’s game is the first of two in as many nights for the Cavaliers, who host the Warriors on Saturday. Garland’s absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, which Lonzo Ball could fill since he’s available. He’s worth streaming in deep leagues when given this role, but the fantasy ceiling is limited.

Ball is back after a two-game absence, and he’ll provide additional depth on the perimeter behind starting Darius Garland. With Garland available, Ball is in a spot where he offers limited fantasy value.