Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball, who has been sidelined since January 2022 due to persistent left knee issues, is showing promising signs of progress in his ongoing rehabilitation efforts, according to head coach Billy Donovan.
Donovan shared the positive update with reporters, as relayed by K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, during a recent press conference. He noted that Ball’s recent workouts have yielded encouraging results, indicating substantial advancement in his recovery journey.
“Some of the workouts have been really, really positive and he has progressed,” Donovan affirmed. “He has responded well. Some of the things that medical guys have shown me is he looks good moving. I’m just really happy for him personally for his progress. He has worked hard to put himself in this position. And hopefully, he can continue to progress.”
Ball has endured three knee procedures over the past couple of years, including a significant cartilage transplant. Despite these challenges, recent developments suggest tangible improvements in his condition, with reports indicating his ability to engage in activities such as sprinting, cutting, and jumping.
Donovan revealed that the next phase of Ball’s rehabilitation involves obtaining clearance for contact activities and participating in full-scale five-on-five basketball sessions.
“This is something that is almost unprecedented,” Donovan remarked. “He has been able to pass every hurdle so far.”
Since joining the Bulls on a lucrative four-year, $80 million contract in 2021, Ball has made a notable impact on the team’s performance. During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 35 games. His presence on the court significantly bolstered the Bulls’ record, with the team boasting a 22-13 record in games where Ball played, compared to a 24-23 record without him.
The quartet of Ball, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, and Zach LaVine propelled the Bulls to the top of the Eastern Conference standings after 60 games during the 2021-22 season, demonstrating their formidable chemistry and impact on the team’s success.
However, since Ball’s absence due to injury, the Bulls have struggled to replicate their earlier achievements. His absence has been cited as one of the key factors contributing to the team’s recent challenges.
As the Bulls navigate through the remainder of the season, currently positioned ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 31-32 record, they are likely to face the play-in tournament for the second consecutive year. Nonetheless, with a six-game cushion over the 11th-place Brooklyn Nets, dropping below the play-in line seems improbable at this stage.
