Lonzo Ball hasn’t seen NBA action since January 14, 2022, following a devastating torn meniscus injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. After this crushing blow, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure aimed at clearing debris in his knee. But rehabbing proved challenging, leading Ball to opt for an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023. Despite the severity of his injury and subsequent treatments, recent developments have brought a glimmer of hope for both Ball and the Chicago Bulls.
Earlier in August, Ball received the green light from the Bulls’ medical team for 5-on-5 contact play. This was a promising sign that the prolonged recovery process was indeed paying off. He even participated in a scrimmage with NBA peers like Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan, demonstrating his commitment to making a strong return. As one 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."
Ball's debilitating injury has had a sizable impact on the Bulls' performance. During the 2021-22 season, the team boasted a 22-13 record when Ball was on the court, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's defensive and offensive strategies. One observer went as far as saying, "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 void left by Ball's absence is not something the Bulls have managed to fill easily.
However, the Bulls’ lineup has undergone significant changes since Ball's injury. DeMar DeRozan left for the Sacramento Kings in free agency, a move that surprised many given his key contributions to the team. Moreover, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the young and promising Josh Giddey. While these adjustments bring fresh faces and potential to the team, they signal a period of transition and adjustment for the Bulls.
Financially, the Bulls are also navigating choppy waters. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are set to earn a combined $67.5 million after the next season, exerting considerable pressure on the team's salary cap. Meanwhile, Giddey will be facing unrestricted free agency next summer, adding another element of uncertainty. Lonzo Ball, now in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract, has only played 35 games through the first three years of his deal. This summer, he picked up his $21.3 million player option, securing his position with the Bulls but also emphasizing the need for him to return to full form.
Despite these hurdles, there is cautious optimism surrounding Ball's recovery. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," an observer commented, noting that a healthy Ball can still be a transformative force for the team. The hope is that his recent scrimmage and medical clearance mark the beginning of a steady return to the form that made him a crucial part of the Bulls' lineup.
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball. His journey back to the court has been riddled with setbacks, surgeries, and extensive rehab. Yet the persistence, discipline, and determination he has shown suggest he is far from done. If Ball can reclaim even a fraction of his previous impact, the Chicago Bulls could find themselves reinvigorated with the energy and tactical expertise that defined their play during his tenure as the orchestrator on the floor.