Lonzo Ball's Long Road to Recovery
Lonzo Ball hasn't set foot on an NBA court since January 14, 2022. The Chicago Bulls' point guard has been on an arduous journey back from a torn meniscus, an injury that put an abrupt end to his 2021-22 season. Ball's road to recovery has been long and challenging, marked by multiple procedures and high hopes for a return to form. But now, there seems to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
Initially sidelined due to the meniscus tear, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure designed to clear away debris in his knee. However, the setbacks didn't end there. Despite the procedure, Ball's knee continued to trouble him, leading to an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023. This innovative surgery aimed to provide more lasting relief and a better chance of full recovery.
Fortunately, in the months since his latest procedure, Ball has reported no further issues with his knee. His recovery progress recently reached a significant milestone when the Bulls cleared him for 5-on-5 contact play in August. In a scrimmage involving NBA peers such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan, Ball took a crucial step towards his return to the NBA.
An anonymous observer noted Ball's importance to the Bulls: "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." This dual contribution of offensive coordination and defensive acumen underscores why Ball’s absence was so sorely felt by the Bulls. Indeed, another observer remarked, "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same."
The numbers speak volumes. During the 2021-22 season, the Bulls maintained a 22-13 record when Ball was active. His ability to impact games on both ends of the floor was pivotal to Chicago's success. The team’s struggle without him has been evident. The dynamic of the Bulls roster has also seen some changes during his absence. DeMar DeRozan departed to the Sacramento Kings in free agency, while Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. These moves have reshaped the team's core, putting more on the shoulders of star players like LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, who will collectively earn $67.5 million through the next season.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddey faces unrestricted free agency next summer, adding another layer of uncertainty to Chicago's future. But with Ball's impending return, the Bulls may just find the stability they've been lacking. As one observer speculated, "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover." His potential to regain top form and contribute meaningfully remains a beacon of hope for the Bulls organization and their fans.
Adding to the complexity of Chicago's financial landscape, Ball is entering the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. Over the first three years of this deal, Ball has appeared in just 35 games, raising questions about his durability and value. However, this summer, Ball picked up his $21.3 million player option, affirming his commitment to making a comeback and proving his worth on the court.
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball and his quest to reclaim his role as the Bulls' orchestrator. The hurdles have been many, but if Ball can navigate through them successfully, Chicago might just witness a revival of the vibrant style of play that made them contenders when he was at the helm.