Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

I am, of course, judging a 6 year veteran based upon his injury history and ability to stay on the court. He was a very good player. Players who are sitting on the court in Street Clothes, soaking up the salary cap when not playing or hobbling around on court when they are, are less valuable. Right now, he's another team's problem. My opinion is, don't waste time thinking about Ball. Think about available players who are available to play at an NBA level, regardless of where they were drafted, or if they were drafted.

Then you may want to drop his draft spot from your argument.

I look at Ball as the many potentially good/great players who have been sidelined by injury (Rose, Hill, etc), but came back at a lower level of contribution.  Yes, he's not where he was, but as you stated, anyone available that is the case.

At the time of signing with CHI, we signed THJ for basically the same money.  Ball can still defend, distribute, and rebound at a nice clip.  Should his continuing to be injured be a concern?  Sure, especially with AD, Lively, Exum, and a 33yo Kyrie with blown ACL.

But as with anything, what are the alternatives?  It's easy to deconstruct, but much tougher to provide an alternative.