Bulls’ Lonzo Ball Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ After Latest Knee Surgery – NBC Chicago
Ball faces a “uphill battle” after the latest knee surgery originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Lonzo Ball underwent his third left knee surgery in 14 months on Monday, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan said in his pregame address to reporters in Philadelphia and now faces an arduous rehabilitation process.
“We all understand that this is going to be a tough fight for him,” Donovan said. “But I know that he will do everything in his rehab to get back on the pitch.”
Ball underwent a cartilage transplant. Donovan said the Bulls’ medical staff told him the surgery went well. There is no timetable for Ball’s return. Donovan described Ball’s absence as “undetermined” in his comments to reporters.
Previously, Ball underwent surgery in January 2022 to repair a torn meniscus and underwent debridement in September 2022 to remove “loose bodies” and fragments that had been causing Ball discomfort. Ball has not played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022.
This surgery is rarely associated with professional athletes, which is why there is so much speculation as to whether Ball can return and salvage his high-level career. Festus Ezeli underwent ligament replacement surgery on a cadaver in March 2017 and never played in the NBA again. While Ball’s procedure is not the same, it is similarly rare in the world of professional sports.
Ball’s return would be all the more impressive or surprising, depending on your perspective.
“I can’t remember if it was in high school or college and Bernard King ruptured his cruciate ligament and none of that ever came back,” Donovan said, referring to the former NBA greats from the 1970s and ’80s. “You’re just hopeful that maybe (Ball) can be first. I know he will work really hard. I know they felt the surgery went well. But I agree that there’s nothing out there that says, ‘Hey, here’s how guys came back and were able to respond to that. But I do know that with Lonzo and all the information he could only glean from various doctors… that he felt like this was the best chance he had to get him back on the pitch.
Even if Ball can one day, Donovan admitted that mentally he’s entering the 2023-24 training camp as a coach knowing Ball won’t be available. Ball has one season left and a player option on his four-year, $80 million contract, so his indefinite absence leaves a glaring hole at the point guard while the salary stays on the books.
“I’m sure the front office and the owner will be talking about this at the end of the year. He certainly has a long road to recovery and a long way to get himself to a place where he can get back on the pitch and play again,” Donovan said. “But I’m confident that with his work ethic, his commitment and his motivation and his eagerness to play will take advantage of every opportunity to do so.”
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