Bulls guard Lonzo Ball looks on during a break in action against the Rockets on Dec. 21, 2021, at the United Center. (Terrence Antonio James, Chicago)
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to miss training camp as he continues to battle long-term pain and discomfort in his left knee following a January meniscus surgery, according to an ESPN report.
The latest setback throws greater doubt about the point guard’s availability for the start of the regular season in October.
Ball spent the summer in Los Angeles focusing on rehabilitation after missing the final four months of the 2021-22 season following arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 28. Ball doesn’t have structural damage in the knee, according to the ESPN report, but pain has persisted for more than six months, preventing him from returning to full-speed drills or contact play.
The Bulls front office and coaching staff have been vague throughout the summer in detailing Ball’s recovery plans and the likelihood of his availability for the start of the season.
Executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas hinted at setbacks during a summer league broadcast in July, echoing concern from general manager Marc Eversley’s account that Ball hadn’t been able to scrimmage in June.
“He’s progressing. That’s as much as I can say,” Karnišovas said during the NBA TV telecast. “He’s getting better — probably not at the speed that we would like, but he is getting better. Hopefully he’s going to be ready for training camp, (but) that’s just our hopes.”
After Ball suffered the meniscus injury in January, the early prognosis for his recovery path was positive — following arthroscopic surgery, the guard was expected to make a full return to the starting lineup with time to spare before the playoffs.
The reality was more grim. Ball continued to experience pain and discomfort in his left knee, exacerbated by a previous bone bruise. The Bulls continually pushed back his expected return date before officially shutting Ball down during the first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Injuries have plagued Ball since he entered the league. After five years in the NBA, he has yet to play a full season. Ball suffered a sprained MCL, a torn ankle ligament and injuries to his adductor, knee, hip flexor, shoulder and thumb during his tenures with the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans. The injuries resulted in him playing only 64.6% of regular-season games.
For the Bulls, the prospect of starting the season without Ball could be manageable. The team found success with rookie Ayo Dosunmu running the point, and fellow guards Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso are well-equipped to pick up more ballhandling in a pinch.
But Ball’s inability to shake injuries is a major concern, especially given the impact of his quick-handed defense and keen eye for assists — and the fact the Bulls struggled down the stretch last season with him sidelined.
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Originally published at Tribune News Service