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3 Reasons LaMelo Ball can save the Cleveland Cavaliers

By Tony Pesta

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks reacts during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks reacts during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images /

3. Size

First and foremost, LaMelo Ball is a perfect size and build for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ current roster. The 18-year old has had a growth spurt and now stands at 6’8″, making him the tallest of the three Ball brothers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers need a player as big as Ball to counteract their undersized backcourt. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland both stand at 6’1″, making them one of the shortest starting duos in the league.

Because of this, the Cavaliers have been getting torched on defense. Many have already tinkered with the idea of starting Kevin Porter Jr., a taller and much better defender at the two-guard, but drafting Ball could make things even easier.

With Ball on the roster, the Cavaliers would have a ton of options. They can experiment with Ball in multiple positions as he is capable of playing both guard spots or as a small forward.

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Of course, Ball needs to put on some weight before being slotted at the three. As of now, he weighs only 165 pounds. This is roughly 60 pounds lower than the average weight for small forwards according to HoopObssession.

Regardless, Ball makes much more sense playing as one of the starting guards alongside either Garland or Sexton. There are plenty of reasons why the Cavaliers current duo is not built for longterm success together and Ball is an easy fix for these issues.

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