When Lonzo Ball last stepped on an NBA court on January 14, 2022, the Chicago Bulls were a team infused with hope and potential. At that time, Ball was the engine behind their offense and the defensive anchor, setting up his teammates and drilling 3-pointers while also exerting hard-nosed defense. "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same," observed an anonymous analyst.
A Series of Setbacks
Ball's promising run was abruptly halted when he sustained a torn meniscus in January 2022, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. He underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure to remove debris from his knee, but even after the surgery, the road to recovery proved rocky. In March 2023, Ball underwent an experimental cartilage transplant to aid his healing process. Fortunately, there have been no reported setbacks since these interventions.
Cleared for Action
The Chicago Bulls provided a glimmer of hope earlier this August, clearing Ball for 5-on-5 contact play. This decision culminated in Ball participating in a scrimmage alongside NBA stalwarts such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Deandre Jordan, and Daniel Gafford. Despite his lengthy absence from competitive play, Ball showed flashes of his old self, a testament to his potential impact if he fully recovers. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," an observer noted, underscoring the cautious optimism surrounding his return.
Chicago's Changing Landscape
The Chicago Bulls' landscape has dramatically shifted since Ball's injury. The team, which once boasted a robust 22-13 record with Ball active during the 2021-22 season, had to endure numerous changes. DeMar DeRozan's departure to the Sacramento Kings in free agency marked a significant loss. Additionally, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. With Giddey potentially exploring unrestricted free agency next summer, the future remains uncertain for the Bulls.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic will command a hefty $67.5 million combined after the upcoming season, placing financial pressure on the team's management. Ball himself is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, signed in the summer of 2021. Sadly, Ball has only managed to clock in 35 games throughout the first three years of this deal. Despite these challenges, Ball elected to pick up his $21.3 million player option this summer, signaling his commitment to the Bulls and his belief in his ability to return to form.
Looking Ahead
As Ball gears up for a potential return, there's cautious optimism but also an acknowledgment of the daunting path ahead. If he can return to even a semblance of his pre-injury form, he could be a transformative presence for the Bulls. Yet, the weight of two years spent largely on the sidelines cannot be ignored.
In summary, Lonzo Ball's journey through injury and recovery has been arduous, marked by significant medical interventions and a litany of uncertainties. However, his clearance for full-contact play and his participation in high-level scrimmages offer a beacon of hope. With the Bulls' roster in flux, Ball's return could provide the much-needed stability and dynamism. An anonymous observer aptly summed up his potential: "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."
For now, the basketball world watches and waits, hopeful for the resurgence of a player whose brief stint with the Bulls left an indelible mark.