The Chicago Bulls were sadly without one of their star players for the final games of the season.
Guard Lonzo Ball was sidelined by a torn meniscus in his left knee in January, a few months before his team was eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in a 4-1 drubbing.
But where do things stand with Ball now?
According to head coach Billy Donovan, things aren’t going too well.
Billy Donovan is worried for Lonzo Ball's ailing knee and shares the frustration.
Donovan: "There's no answer to why he's feeling discomfort in his knee."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) April 29, 2022
Speaking to the press, Donovan said that Ball’s knee is still bothering him and “there’s no answer to why he’s feeling discomfort in his knee.”
That’s certainly a concerning development for Ball but hopefully, one that can be fixed in the next few months before the new season begins.
Banged Up Ball
Ball had surgery on his knee back at the beginning of the year so it’s surprising and disheartening to hear he hasn’t made much progress.
The team had previously said that his knee never responded properly to the team’s attempt to ramp up his basketball activity a few months after.
He was officially shut down from playing in early April and the team desperately missed him in their final weeks.
This season, Ball was only able to play in a career-low 35 games and achieved total averages of 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 and assists.
His career average is 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Ball was an important part of Chicago’s lineup and provided them with a powerful offensive presence.
Plus, he showed signs of only getting better and becoming the sort of player fans had always wanted.
The Bulls sure could have used him in the postseason but now they’re just hoping he is able to bounce back by the time the next year begins.
NEXT: 3 Things That Doomed The Bulls After A Great Start