Last season, Lonzo Ball was sidelined for the whole thing because of a knee ailment. Additionally, he is out for the remainder of the season. The Chicago Bulls have seen a decline in production during his absence.
Ball is almost guaranteed to exercise his player option for the upcoming season. But now he’s given Bulls supporters something to cheer about.
Recently, a fresh video was shared on social media, showing the playmaking guard working out on the floor. He appears to be moving easily and with a fluid gait.
Ball last played on Jan. 14, 2022, where he faced the Golden State Warriors. He was 24 when his injury struck. Missing two years of basketball will undoubtedly have lowered his ceiling as a potential star.
Nevertheless, the Bulls had constructed their roster around Ball’s passing and defense. He was supposed to be the metronome that led them toward a championship. Those skills aren’t something you lose. He could still be the player Chicago envisioned him becoming.
Ball will need some time to return to his peak performance. The difficulties with his on-court conditioning that arise after such a long layoff will need to be resolved.
It will require some time for him to get into a shooting rhythm. Additionally, the Bulls will need to exercise patience given his exceptional perimeter defense skills.
Still, Ball’s return to the starting lineup will be a huge improvement for the Bulls. It would be intriguing to observe, though, how his comeback impacts Coby White, who has been having a breakout season.
Luckily for White, Ball won’t likely be around this season. Even yet, there will be a lot of unanswered questions regarding Billy Donovan’s guard rotation when the new season starts.
