Lonzo Ball, the Chicago Bulls guard, recently made a disheartening announcement for fans and supporters. He revealed that he will be sitting out the entirety of the 2023-24 NBA season due to an ongoing knee injury. This news is a major blow to the Bulls, as Ball’s absence has already had a noticeable impact on the team’s performance.
Ball underwent a cartilage transplant in his left knee back in March of this year in hopes of addressing the issue. Despite the setback, the guard expressed optimism about his recovery during a recent appearance on the “From the Point by Trae Young” podcast. He revealed that doctors initially were unsure about the severity of the injury, which caused some uncertainty in his mind. However, with the surgery and subsequent plan, Ball believes he is on the right track.
The $80 million contract that Ball signed with the Bulls in 2021 has been marred by injuries. He has been unable to play since January 2022, and Bulls Vice President Arturas Karnisovas had previously stated that the team did not anticipate Ball’s return for the current season. The impact of his absence can be seen in the team’s performance. Before his injury, the Bulls were the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, without Ball, they finished the 2021-22 season with a record of 40-42 and suffered a loss in the play-in tournament.
Ball expressed regret for not being able to showcase the potential of the team built around him. He believed that the Bulls had constructed a perfect team suited to his playing style. The guard acknowledged the impact of his early injury on the team’s chances and expressed disappointment at not being able to fully realize their potential. Despite this, Ball remains focused on his recovery and is leaving the outcome of his return up to fate while giving his best effort.
With Ball out for the season, it will be a challenging year for the Bulls. However, fans can still look forward to watching the rest of the squad compete and strive to make their mark in the NBA.
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