When Lonzo Ball was traded to Chicago, it was the start of a new beginning for him. To team up with guys like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine would allow the Chino Hills native to play his true position and run the offense.
However, as we’ve seen in the past, injuries have forced Lonzo to miss time in every single season during his career.
Things looked promising so far this season. He played the first 29 games for the Bulls, who were 19-10 with him in the starting lineup. Then, Lonzo missed the next five games before coming back against the Orlando Magic on January 3rd.
Unfortunately, Ball only played six more games before the team announced he was dealing with a bone bruise and needed some time to recover. After further review, Ball’s injury was revealed to be a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Lonzo Ball’s Knee Issue? It’s a Torn Meniscushttps://t.co/ELhGozzwsl pic.twitter.com/NqPaU19yAt
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) January 20, 2022
Surgery was done on January 28th, with the expected recovery timeline to be around six-to-eight weeks.
So, why haven’t we seen the 2017 former first-round pick on the floor?
Recently…
It was found that the Chicago Bulls have announced Lonzo had a setback and his rehab would be paused for ten days. He would continue to participate in strength work but prevented from running.
It seems like he cannot catch a break. But, the Bulls want Lonzo to be fully healthy as they look to enter the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
This team needs Lonzo, as he was a big part of the team’s stout defense alongside Alex Caruso before the both of them went down.
When healthy, Ball was putting up career-high numbers scoring-wise. His field goal and three-point percentages were better than ever and he was averaging almost two steals a game.
However, as mentioned, he cannot seem to stay healthy. Lonzo Ball has never played a full season in his career thus far, which is concerning for the Bulls after they traded for him this past offseason.
So, What Now for Chicago?
After a hot start to the season, the Bulls have cooled down as of late. Flirting with the number one seed for a time, they are currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They’re only one game ahead of the Cavaliers and Raptors.
If the Bulls continue to lose games, you can make a legit argument they will not make the playoffs. The worst-case scenario is that they may have to participate in the play-in tournament. But, there is the risk of playing against a Nets squad led by Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. If you lose that game, LaMelo and the Hornets or Trae Young and the Hawks would await them.
When you’re in the postseason, you’re facing off against teams that are legit contenders. So far, Chicago is 0-16 against teams that are in the top three of their respective conferences. Not a great look for the Bulls.
There’s still time to get things together. Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams have returned into the rotation for coach Billy Donovan. If Lonzo Ball catches a break and progresses in his rehab, the Bulls could finally have their Opening Day lineup for the first time in what seems like forever.
A healthy Bulls team against the top teams in the East? Get your popcorn ready.
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