On January 14, 2022, Lonzo Ball last laced up his sneakers and took to the NBA courts. Unfortunately for Ball and the Chicago Bulls, that game marked the beginning of a long and arduous journey centred around a torn meniscus that has kept the talented point guard sidelined ever since.
An Injury That Changed Everything
Ball's torn meniscus sidelined him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. Following the injury, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure designed to clear knee debris. However, this was only the beginning of his medical journey. In March 2023, Ball opted for an experimental cartilage transplant. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and no further setbacks have been reported post-procedure.
Earlier this August, the Bulls cleared Ball for 5-on-5 contact play, offering a glimmer of hope for the team's loyal fanbase. Ball even participated in a competitive scrimmage alongside top-tier NBA peers such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan.
The Impact of Ball's Absence
When Ball was active during the 2021-22 season, Chicago posted an impressive 22-13 record. An anonymous observer noted, "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." Another observer elaborated on his significance, stating, "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same."
Ball's ability to orchestrate the offense and his defensive prowess set a tone for the Bulls that was markedly different in his absence. A point guard of his calibre is a rare commodity, highlighting just how crucial his contributions were to the team's success.
Roster Changes and Financial Commitments
Since Ball's injury, the Bulls have undergone significant roster changes. DeMar DeRozan departed for the Sacramento Kings in free agency, while Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. This shuffle could reshape the dynamics of the team, just as Ball embarks on his return campaign.
Financially, the Bulls are heavily invested in their remaining stars. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are set to earn a combined $67.5 million after the next season. Moreover, Giddey will be navigating unrestricted free agency next summer, adding another layer of complexity to the Bulls' financial planning.
The Road Ahead for Ball
Ball is now in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. Remarkably, over the first three years of this deal, he has played just 35 games. Despite this, Ball picked up his $21.3 million player option this summer, solidifying his commitment to the Bulls – and hopefully his impending return to form.
While questions linger about his recovery and future performance, there is a cautious optimism that Ball can reclaim his place on the court. His earlier performances painted the picture of a player who was pivotal to the Bulls' success. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," an observer remarked, hinting at the potential impact he could still have on the team.
Ball's journey has been laden with obstacles and setbacks, but his recent progress suggests a potential return to the hardwood. As he gears up for what could be a critical season, both for himself and the Bulls, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how this next chapter unfolds.