The next stage of Lonzo Ball’s recuperation is underway. Due to a damaged meniscus in his knee, the playmaking wizard has missed the previous two years of action. His final NBA game was on January 14, 2022, when the Golden State Warriors defeated him.
Billy Donovan, the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, claims that Ball is making progress in his work with the training staff. Recently, he has started jumping, cutting, and sprinting as he enters the next stage of his rehabilitation.
Ball’s future in the NBA is still an open question. When he eventually returns to the court, he will need to prove his injury issues are behind him. He’s also lost two years of development time. His ceiling has undoubtedly been lowered due to his prolonged absence from elite level basketball. Still, his play-making and defense will ensure he remains an impactful member of a rotation.SEE MORE
Ball will be entering the last year of a four-year, $80 million contract at the start of the upcoming season. There is a player option for that year, which he will surely take. He will therefore be participating in a sort of audition. If he performs well, he might receive offers that are comparable to his present contract. If he has trouble staying fit or struggles, he’ll probably have to settle for short-term contracts that pay a lot less.
Either way, the Bulls figure to be pleased to get their star guard back in the rotation. Their current roster was built around his passing and defense. His absence has been a primary reason why the team has struggled over the past two seasons. There could be quiet optimism that Ball’s return will see Donovan’s team emerge as a genuine playoff threat.
Of course, a lot will depend on how Ball performs once he’s back on the floor. For now, though, all eyes will be on his continued rehabilitation and whether he can avoid any further setbacks.
