Bulls guard with ‘brand new knee’ conquered injury ‘nobody has come back from’
Chicago Bulls fans love resilience.
It’s why Derrick Rose was so beloved in the city, and it’s why point guard Lonzo Ball has a chance to become a fan favorite this season.
Ball is fully healthy for the first time in years. He underwent a miraculous cartilage transplant last year and as of this past summer had worked his way back to playing five-on-five, an accomplishment in and of itself which excited Bulls fans.
During Chicago’s media day on Monday, Ball provided some information about his injury and expected return date, as reported by Chicago Sports Network insider K.C. Johnson.
“I pretty much have a brand new knee,” Ball said, per Johnson. “This is something nobody has come back from. … I think I’ll be ready for the first game for sure.”
Ball also confirmed that he will be on a minutes restriction managed by head coach Billy Donovan and that back-to-backs are fully off the table.
It will be interesting to see how Donovan works Ball into the rotation, especially if Ball is as healthy (and thus effective) as advertised.
Chicago’s backcourt is awfully crowded with as many as five guards deserving of big minutes in Ball, Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White.
If Ball returns to form, will the Bulls look to dangle him out into the trade market, or will they reinvest in his long-term future in Chicago?
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