Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball hasn’t played an NBA game since Jan. 2022. Fortunately for him and the franchise, his elongated absence may soon be coming to an end.
On Tuesday, Ball released a video of himself throwing down a couple of running dunks. Though likely not intended to indicate his being at full strength, it’s a confidence-builder during a recovery process that’s seen several setbacks. Earlier this month, Ball reportedly resumed sprinting and cutting on the court.
Lonzo Ball Teases Potential Return
Indeed, it was only a few months ago that ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith was alleging “it’s even hard for [Ball] to get up from the sitting position”
Ball, taking offense, would offer proof that Smith’s reports were unfounded. However, he didn’t provide any lasting comfort. His injury history was louder than the 15-second clip he posted.
Taunted by his body, the former second-overall pick has been sidelined for two years due to ongoing complications from a meniscus tear. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair the tear, he was initially expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. However, two and a half months later, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Experiencing pain during “high-level physical activity,” this route appeared to be the best option.
That process was repeated the next season. Before the Bulls’ 2022-23 campaign, Ball opted for an arthroscopic debridement and was given a 4-6 week recovery timetable. At the time, Ball said he “still cannot run or jump nine months after the surgery… can’t flex his knees properly and cannot even attempt routine basketball activities,” per NBA.com’s Sam Smith.
“Literally, I really can’t run. I can’t run or jump. There’s a range from, like, 30 to 60 degrees when my knee is bent that I have, like, no force and I can’t catch myself. Until I can do those things I can’t play.“
By late February, the two-way playmaker was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to the discomfort he experienced during basketball activities. It was what Ball considered the “worst-case scenario.” A month later, he had a cartilage transplant in his left knee. He was subsequently ruled out for the entire 2023-24 season.
Total Recall
A cautious approach requires plenty of patience and Ball has had that. The Bulls have had that. Even the fans have patiently awaited Ball’s return. At only 26 years old, he has a lot more basketball that he can play before he decides to hang it up.
Ball briefly resurfaced in February after attending (though not participating in) Bulls practice.
Showcasing his shooting stoke, his career-high 43.2 percent conversion rate on 3-point attempts in his last healthy season didn’t seem like such a distant memory. Nor did his lockdown perimeter defense or floor general facilitating for that matter.
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