Camila Sosa
Things are getting even more complicated for the Chicago Bulls since they have had a disappointing second half of the season: not only could they lose fifth place in the Eastern Conference to the Toronto Raptors, but they will also be without Lonzo Ball, their starting point guard, for the rest of the season thanks to the constant discomfort he has felt in his left knee during his attempts to return to the court.
The 24-year-old had surgery to treat a meniscus injury in his left knee in January, and since then he has been rehabilitating for what would have been his return to the team in March. However, Lonzo first felt discomfort in the area more than two weeks ago, and the Bulls decided to suspend his return for a couple of extra weeks. In addition to his meniscus problem, Ball also suffered a bone bruise in the same area that could be the main cause of his current discomfort.
Complying with the period imposed by Chicago, today, Billy Donovan, head coach of the organization, announced in a press conference that Ball continues to feel pain in his left knee and will not participate in any remaining regular season games, without adding any information about whether he could return at some point during the post-season. Evidently, reports confirming Lonzo’s absence even during the post-season began to transcend minutes after the team’s media session.
Which are Lonzo Ball’s Absence Consequences for the Chicago Bulls?
It’s a shame how the season ends for one of the most important pieces within the Bulls, who were competing to be the leader of the Eastern Conference during the All-Star Break, and now struggle to secure a playoff spot out of the playoffs. Injuries to Ball, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine’s, the constant absences due to knee problems, and Nikola Vucevic’s demotion have been the major contributors to this drop in performance for Chicago.
In 35 games with the Bulls, Lonzo averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 three-pointers on 42.3% efficiency (a career-best mark), and was a vital member of Billy Donovan’s stout defensive scheme. Chicago owns a 45-33 record, tied for first overall with the Toronto Raptors, and with four games remaining, they will be looking to have the best possible seeding position heading into the NBA postseason.
