Chicago Bulls May Have To Continue Season Without Lonzo Ball As Knee Problems Persist

KEY POINTS

Lonzo Ball may not suit up this season at all due to lingering knee issues
The Bulls may have to look for other options in the free-agent market
The Bulls need to figure out their struggles if they intend to return to the playoffs

The Chicago Bulls could use a lift from someone like Lonzo Ball right now as they try to replicate the success they had last season.

Things have not looked good for the Bulls who are currently at the 11th spot of the Eastern Conference with an 11-15 win-loss card.

Ball has not played since January 14 although Chicago is hoping that the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft can return soon.

Unfortunately, seeing Ball play before the NBA All-Star break does not look promising.

His knee problems continue to persist, something that has gone through several setbacks in the past months.

According to the latest update from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, there is no guarantee that the 25-year-old may play at all this NBA season, even in the best-case scenario.

After initially being diagnosed with a knee bruise, a further evaluation found that the former UCLA Bruin also had a torn meniscus.

Ball underwent surgery, something that kept him out for six to eight weeks.

He suffered a setback in the rehabilitation phase and ended up being declared out for the 2021-22 season.

Hopes were high that he would return for the current NBA season, but rest and rehab were unable to boost the chances of seeing the 6-foot-6 guard back on the court.

As a result, Ball is reportedly unable to run or jump without pain. He underwent another medical procedure in September, with a timeline of four to six weeks.

Although he was spotted shooting free throws and working in the weight room in the practice facility the past weeks, Ball does not appear to be any close to returning to NBA action.

Hence, it is another problem that the Bulls will have to figure out.

While the door is open, it may be in their best interest to just keep Ball out for the current NBA season if his knee issues continue to be a problem.

Although they have other guards in the lineup who could step up, Chicago may want to look for added help in the free-agent market to get an added sock.

So far, no names have been linked to the Bulls to ramp up their backcourt rotation.