It has been a long journey back to the court for Lonzo Ball. Ever since he faced a significant setback with a torn meniscus on January 14, 2022, questions loomed about whether he would ever return to his peak performance for the Chicago Bulls.
The Injury and Subsequent Procedures
The torn meniscus was a severe blow to Ball and the Bulls, as he was forced to sit out the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Complications from the injury necessitated an arthroscopic debridement procedure to clear knee debris, followed by an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023. Despite these extensive medical interventions, Ball hasn't suffered any further setbacks post-surgery, offering a glimmer of hope to fans and the organization alike.
Cleared for Action
Earlier this August, a significant milestone was met when the Bulls cleared Ball for 5-on-5 contact play. This green light allowed Ball to participate in a scrimmage that included notable NBA talents like Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan. For a player who had been sidelined for so long, this scrimmage was a promising step toward a full return.
Bulls' Performance Without Ball
During the 2021-22 season, the Bulls held an impressive 22-13 record when Ball was active. His orchestrating abilities on offense, from setting up teammates to knocking down 3-pointers, were vital to the team's success. On defense, he was equally influential, gaining a reputation for his hard-nosed play. An anonymous observer noted, "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same."
Team Roster Shake-Up
Since Ball’s injury, the Bulls’ roster has experienced significant changes. Notably, DeMar DeRozan signed with the Sacramento Kings in free agency, and Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. The trade opens up questions about the long-term plans for the team, especially considering that Giddey will be dealing with unrestricted free agency next summer.
Adding to the financial equation, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are set to earn a combined $67.5 million after the next season. This fiscal commitment adds pressure on the team to perform well and capitalize on the remaining years of these sizable contracts.
Lonzo Ball’s Contract Status
For Lonzo Ball, the clock is ticking on his four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. Having played just 35 games through the first three years of this deal, his absence has been felt not just on the court but also in financial terms. This summer, Ball picked up his $21.3 million player option, showing his intention to prove his worth and make a strong comeback.
Looking Forward
The road to recovery has been arduous for Ball, but the recent developments offer a promising outlook. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," an anonymous observer stated optimistically. Whether Ball can consistently perform at his pre-injury level remains to be seen, but his return to scrimmages and eventual games is a positive step in the right direction.
As the Bulls gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Ball’s performance and the team’s ability to integrate new and existing talents. If he can stay healthy and regain his form, Lonzo Ball might well be the catalyst the Bulls need to return to the upper echelon of the NBA.