On Tuesday morning, the Chicago Bulls made it official and declared that fans wouldn’t see Lonzo Ball play for the rest of the 2022-23 season.
To many, this wasn’t a huge surprise given that we haven’t witnessed Ball even practice on the court with his team this year.
Additionally, the front office has been very quiet and noncommittal about Ball’s possible return.
The revelation that he will miss all of this season isn’t shocking but it does raise a question: just when will the 25-year-old guard come back to the Bulls?
Injury Update: Lonzo Ball will not return this season.
"The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season."
Full Statement from Arturas Karnisovas:
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 21, 2023
Artūras Karnišovas, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Bulls, opened up about what’s next for Ball.
He said that the plan is for Ball to continue “the resolution of his discomfort” so he can have a full return for the 2023-24 season.
So the target date for Ball is opening day in 2023-24.
That is a tall order given that it sounds like Ball’s recovery has been painfully slow.
For months, it wasn’t even entirely clear what was plaguing the young superstar.
Hopefully, the team’s medical staff has finally been able to put together a solid plan for Ball’s recovery.
He obviously has several months before he will be expected back with the Bulls.
During that time, what are the chances that the team finds much success?
Right now, the Bulls are in a bad way, sitting in 11th place with a 26-33 record in the East.
They just added Patrick Beverley to the roster but will he give them what’s needed to turn things around?
With Ball officially out for the rest of 2022-23, do the Bulls stand a chance of a comeback?
NEXT: Patrick Beverley Explains How He Chose His New Team
