Lonzo Ball hasn't been an efficient shooter for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, but there could be a reason for that.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' big move of the offseason was trading Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball.
On paper, the experience for the Wine and Gold hasn’t gone great. One of the key concerns with Ball’s fit has been his struggles shooting from the floor.
At what point should Cleveland get worried about Ball’s shooting numbers, and is now that time?
Lonzo Ball’s Current Shooting Numbers
Through the first 20 games of the NBA season, Ball’s shooting numbers, well, aren’t great.
He’s only averaging 5.9 points per game, while connecting on 30 percent of his shots from the field and 28 percent from his three-pointers. Ball is averaging 6.4 total shots a game.
During Cleveland’s Friday night loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Ball attempted four shots, all threes, and only made one of them.
So, no, it hasn’t been a great season for ball in terms of his shot production.
Nov 2, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesShould The Cavaliers Be Worried About Lonzo Ball’s Shot?
Even though Ball is having a horrendous season in terms of shooting the ball, I don’t think the Cavaliers should be extremely concerned about Ball’s shooting percentage.
Why?
They don’t really have a choice.
When the Cavaliers traded for Ball, they envisioned him being more of a playmaker and game manager who could come off the bench, lead the second unit, and find his big men for open looks under the basket. So far, he’s accomplished that, averaging 5.1 assists a game.
Ball has never been a great shooter throughout his career. Why would Cleveland expect anything different?
The problem is, the Cavaliers have been missing so many of their three-point threats: Darius Garland has only played six games, Sam Merrill has now set to miss his sixth straight game on Sunday, and Max Strus won’t make his season debut for at least another month.
Floor spacing has been an issue for Cleveland this year, and Kenny Atkinson has even admitted it.
The Cavaliers’ scheme works best when the guards are knocking down outside shots, which opens up the paint for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Obviously, with three of the team’s best three-point shooters sidelined, that forces others to step up
Hopefully, once the Cavaliers get healthier and Garland, Merrill, and Strus are back on the floor, Ball won’t need to attempt as many threes to fill the void.