Chicago Bulls (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
For a while now, there has been much uncertainty about the future of Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball due to a lack of progress made following his surgery back in January.
In that procedure, Ball had a torn meniscus repaired. But, what really caused issues was a bone bruise that happened prior to that surgery. Since the procedure, Ball has tried to ramp up his conditioning and rehab multiple times. But, each time, he has endured a setback.
Experiencing pain when trying to take steps in his rehab, Ball’s knee and his immediate future started to come into question. There have even been doubts about his availability come the start of next season.
But, recently, general manager Marc Eversley spoke to NBC Sports columnist K.C. Johnson about Ball’s progress and things are starting to point in a positive direction.
The latest on Lonzo Ball and his knee is a huge positive for the Chicago Bulls.
Eversley told Johnson that Ball is “making progress” in his recovery, finally.
“Currently working out in LA, still doing his rehab. We have sent our performance staff to see him every week and track his progress. All reports are good. He’s making progress.”
Johnson asked Eversley whether he thinks Ball could play if games were going on right now, but Eversley deferred to his training staff for that answer, saying, “That’s not a call I can make now. I can just tell you that he’s rehabbing and he’s making progress.”
Now, Johnson went on to ask if Ball would be ready for the start of training camp in October, and Eversley sounded as though the point guard was trending that way: “I certainly hope so.”
It is no secret that, when Ball went out last season, the Bulls suffered on both ends of the court. Defensively, they lost their best perimeter defender next to Alex Caruso. Ball’s defense often led to offense via the fast break, and once his presence was gone, the Bulls struggled big time in that department.
Offensively, there was no better facilitator on this roster than Ball. But, beyond running the offense, Ball was also the Bulls’ best three-point shooter. Losing him truly put a damper on the Bulls’ ability to score from deep.
When Chicago drafted Arizona point guard Dalen Terry just a few days ago, it almost seemed as though the pick was an indictment on Ball’s immediate future. But, it might be more of an indictment on Coby White, who will likely be traded this offseason.