The Chicago Bulls got off to a hot start last season as they spent the first half of the year atop the Eastern Conference standings.
This season, it’s gone just about as opposite as possible as the Bulls have struggled out the gate of the 2022-23 campaign, missing their starting point guard Lonzo Ball.
Prior to Chicago’s loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Billy Donovan spoke to the media and was asked about Ball’s progress.
“It’s been really slow,” Donovan said. “He’s working through more and more. But it’s not like I can give you any report, ‘Hey, he’s running, he’s cutting, he’s jumping, he’s doing individual skill work, the next step is we’ve got to get him some contact.’ To be honest with you we’re not even close to that.”
Ball’s initial procedure came in late-January of last season to repair a small meniscus tear in his left knee, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. Due to lingering pain and discomfort in his knee, Ball opted for an additional surgery in late-September to hopefully help with his rehab.
“He is better after the surgery, I will say that, but is he completely pain-free? No, and that’s what they’re working towards,” Donovan said. “Or, at least, if he does have some pain, he’s able to play through some of it, work through some of it.”
The Bulls have missed Ball on the court this season, as they currently sit at 9-12 through the first 21 games of the season. Though second-year guard Ayo Dosunmu has done a fine job filling in as a starter, Chicago still lacks the playmaking and outside shooting that Ball brings.
“I feel bad for him because I feel like he’s worked hard to try and get back. He’s a young guy, he’s a really good player, and you hate to see a guy – I guess it’s another month or so, right – that’s coming up on a year,” Donovan said of Ball almost missing a year of play. “I hurt for him because he’s a great guy, he loves playing, and when something like that is taken away from a guy you feel bad for him.”
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