5 Contingency plans for the Blazers if Scoot Henderson struggles in 2024-25
By Reese Kunz
3. Take a chance on Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball has missed the past two and a half seasons with a lingering knee injury. He's reportedly optimistic about his "brand new knee" and his chances of suiting on opening day. However, it will likely be in a limited capacity, and the Bulls will ramp up his minutes as the season progresses.
Ball is the type of player the Blazers are missing. At 6-foot-6, he has positional size and is a great defender, rebounder, playmaker, and underrated shooter. He can impact the game in various ways beyond scoring, which is what Portland's roster—consisting of multiple score-first starters—lacks.
His style of play as someone who relies heavily on his high basketball IQ to be effective on the court should allow him to adapt to the NBA after his injuries, even if his athleticism and ceiling are more limited.
Still, trading for a player coming off a significant injury is always risky, as they may now be injury-prone, face setbacks, or have a lower overall level of play when healthy. Because of that, this trade could certainly backfire and is one the Blazers should only consider pursuing if it's for the right price as a low-risk flier.