Chicago Bulls’ point guard Lonzo Ball hasn’t stepped foot on the NBA court for more than a year now. Ball, who has missed the whole of 2022-2023 is also reportedly going to miss the 2023-2024 season after suffering a knee injury. With this devastating news, what really is going on with former 2nd overall pick, Lonzo Ball? Read more for the latest updates on Lonzo Ball.
Lonzo Ball to miss the 2023-2024 season
The Chicago Bulls are greatly missing the presence of their starting point guard, Lonzo Ball, who has already missed one and a half seasons. According to the Bulls, Ball will not be suiting up in the 2023-2024 NBA season after lingering issues in his knees.
Bulls announce Lonzo Ball is not expected to return from injury next season pic.twitter.com/RCuyELTasc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 23, 2023
Lonzo Ball has been ruled out from January 14, 2022, and hasn’t returned since. The whole organization has been monitoring his situation but it seems that star point guard isn’t going to return to playing anytime soon.
Lonzo Ball injury updates
Before going down with a knee injury, Lonzo Ball was playing great with the Chicago Bulls. After being traded by the New Orleans Pelicans, Lonzo has been balling in Chicago. Pre-injury, he was putting up 13.0 points, 5.1 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, all while also shooting a great 42.3% from behind the arc.
Lonzo reportedly tore his Meniscus and has been undergoing a series of cartilage transplant surgery in his left knee. In March, the 25-year-old guard underwent his third knee surgery in 14 months. It has been three months since the operation, but the Bulls were doubtful about his possible return. But, just recently, the Chicago Bulls vice president Arturas Karnisovas had some positive news for Lonzo’s fans.
“He’s recovering nicely. Last month he got off the crutches. […] Everything is going well. Going into the off-season, our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season and he’s gonna continue on his recovery. If he comes back it’d be great,” Karnisovas said, per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune.
Is Lonzo Ball’s career over?
Everyone is hoping that Lonzo Ball bounces back. But, as the ratings are going, it’s hard to say if he will be able to ever play again. However, a medical doctor, Brian Sutterer, explained Lonzo’s predicament. According to his research, 76% of athletes – not basketball players – were able to return to their sport after surgeries. Thankfully, this could be a great indication that Lonzo may be able to return, but not soon.
Before this injury, Lonzo Ball was already an elite 3-and-D player. A floor general with great court vision and athleticism who also plays great defensive effort. Throughout his career, Ball was able to improve and become one of the best point guards in the NBA. But, if Lonzo is cleared to play again, it’s doubtful that he’ll be able to play like he would before getting injured.
Another player who suffered a similar fate was the rising star in the 2000s, Brandon Roy
In the mid-2000s, another point guard was on his way to becoming a legitimate superstar. Then, a tragic event happened to his career. Brandon Roy, the 6th pick in the 2006 NBA draft, immediately had a great impact on the Portland Trailblazers. In his rookie year, Roy was an outstanding star and took the NBA by storm. Eventually, he won the Rookie of the Year in 2007. Slowly, Brandon Roy was becoming one of the next faces of the NBA at the time. Sadly, his prime was short-lived.
As someone who was deemed to be the franchise player, Roy, unfortunately, had a sad career. The cartilage in his knees was gone and he was never able allowed to play again. Despite continuous efforts, the three-time All-Star’s career was cut short. Hopefully, Lonzo Ball does not suffer a similar path. Everyone is rooting for his recovery and hoping that one day, he’ll be able to suit up again for the Chicago Bulls.
Will Lonzo Ball ever play again? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
