On January 14, 2022, the NBA last witnessed Lonzo Ball in action. That day marked the beginning of a long journey on the road to recovery for the Chicago Bulls' point guard, who suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, requiring arthroscopic debridement surgery. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the 2021-22 season, the Bulls' management and fans anxiously awaited his return.
The Orchestrator's Absence
Before his injury, Ball played a pivotal role for the Bulls, contributing not only as a playmaker but also on the defensive end. "He was the orchestrator on offense, setting up teammates and knocking down 3s, while playing hard-nosed defense on the other end of the floor," observed an anonymous insider. Indeed, Ball's influence was evident as the Bulls held a 22-13 record when he was on the court. His absence left a noticeable void in the team's performance, which saw a downturn as the season progressed, echoing sentiments that "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same."
A Glimmer of Hope
After an arduous rehabilitation period, Ball took a significant step forward with an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023. Encouragingly, he hasn’t faced any setbacks after the surgery. This summer, the Bulls cleared him for 5-on-5 contact play, sparking optimism about his return. Ball even participated in a scrimmage alongside notable NBA players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan, signaling his steady progress.
Transition in Chicago
While Ball fought his battle off the court, the Bulls experienced significant changes. Key player DeMar DeRozan departed for free agency, signing with the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. These moves have left substantial holes in the Bulls' roster, placing pressure on remaining stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, who are set to earn a combined $67.5 million next season.
Ball's Contract Situation
As Ball gears up for potential comeback, his contract situation is noteworthy. Entering the final year of a four-year, $80 million deal he inked in 2021, he has played just 35 games over the first three years. Despite this, Ball picked up his $21.3 million player option this summer, demonstrating his commitment to proving his worth on the court.
Looking Forward
The big question now revolves around whether Ball can return to his pre-injury form and reclaim his role as a top-tier point guard. His performance and physical condition will be crucial as the Bulls look to regain their competitive edge. While some uncertainty looms, one thing remains clear: "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," noted a keen observer. Given his capabilities as a floor general and defender, a healthy Lonzo Ball could once again be a game-changer for Chicago.
The upcoming season promises to be a crucial period not only for Ball but also for the Chicago Bulls. With a revamped roster and lingering hopes of contending in the Eastern Conference, the stage is set for a comeback story that fans in the Windy City are eager to witness.