Bulls' Lonzo Ball takes another step toward NBA return
Lonzo Ball missed the entirety of last season due to a knee injury. He has also been ruled out for the rest of this season. His absence has coincided with a slide in production from the Chicago Bulls.
Ball has a player option on his contract for next season that he's almost certain to pick up. However, he has now given Bulls fans a reason to be excited. In a new video recently posted on social media, the playmaking guard can be seen working out on the court. His movement looks smooth, and he appears to be moving freely.
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.
It's going to take some time before Ball is back at his best. He will need to work through the on-court conditioning issues that come with such a lengthy layoff. It will take time for him to develop a rhythm with his shot. And the Bulls will need to be patient with his ability to defend at an elite level on the perimeter.
Nevertheless, when Ball does return to the rotation, it will be a significant upgrade for the Bulls. However, seeing how his return affects Coby White, who has been enjoying a breakout season, will be interesting. Fortunately for White, we're unlikely to see Ball this season. Still, multiple question marks will be hanging over Billy Donovan's guard rotation to begin next season.
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