The question that surrounds Lonzo Ball is what's next? As Ball is recovering from a severe knee injury, many insiders believe his impact in the NBA will not be the same. Last season, the Chicago Bulls signed Ball in free agency, adding an elite playmaker to their playoff contending roster. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to produce in the playoffs as the Bulls were eliminated in the first round.
A reason why Ball’s injury is so crucial is due to his skill set on the floor. When healthy, he is one of the elite passers in the NBA as his playmaking takes pressure off his teammates. Plus, his terrific on-ball defense is an art as well with his size and athleticism. Ball’s energy makes a difference for every team he has played for. While he lacks impacting the game from a scoring perspective, he understands different ways to make his presence known on the floor.
The Emergence
The emergence of Lonzo Ball began at the beginning of the 2019-20 season. After two struggling seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball found himself in a new environment in New Orleans with the Pelicans. His Laker teammate Brandon Ingram was joining him and the Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson with the number one pick. With the team still very young, there was still time for development.
In 2020-21, Ball averaged a career-high 14.6 points along with 5.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Not only was he making his impact known from playmaking but his shot mechanics were much improved. Ball increased his three-point shooting to 37 percent on eight attempts per game. In his second season with New Orleans, Ball showed a lot of promise as the franchise believed they found their point guard for the future.
Unfortunately, different plans were in set for Ball and his future. The Bulls were gearing up to build a playoff atmosphere around their young All-Star, Zach Lavine. As the Bulls signed Ball, DeMar DeRozan, and others, the team was off to the races. Ball became a great compliment next to the two wing talents and produced at a high level on both ends.
For the 2021-22 regular season, Ball only played 35 games for Chicago and averaged 13 points and 5.1 assists. As the Bulls faced the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, the team missed the playmaking and size of Ball that could’ve made a big difference in the series. With that being said, the Bucks dethroned the Bulls in five games in which the series was decided in dominating fashion.
What's Next For Ball?
While Ball has shown emergence as a gifted point guard in the NBA, injuries are holding him back from unleashing his full potential. Ball's knee injury will hold him back from the beginning of the 2022-23 season as he plans to undergo another arthroscopic surgery . Given the history of his knee injuries , many believe that it will cause him to have less explosiveness and athleticism.
Things certainly do not look good for Ball as of right now. Could his injury history force him to lose a starting spot in the NBA? A lot is on the line for Ball and his career at the moment. Despite the odds, I believe he can still have a productive career when healthy. Yes, he may not have the same athleticism as he once had. However, not many players possess a gift of playmaking that Lonzo Ball does. He can still impact the game from other perspectives and put pressure on the defense as he looks to make right plays on offense.
Conclusion
It is uncertain how long Lonzo Ball will be out. The Bulls will await his return as he continues to rehab and prepare for his long awaited debut. There may be a lot of trial and tribulation in Ball’s career right now. However, the situation is going to make him stronger and allow him to adjust to his new style of play. The journey isn’t over for Lonzo Ball as he looks to return to the Bulls' rotation better than before.
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