Contrary to reports, Bulls HC hints team is not looking to move Lonzo Ball: “He’s a guy that everyone enjoys playing with”
It's been over two years since Lonzo Ball last took the NBA court for the Chicago Bulls. Despite injury concerns and turbulent start to his career, head coach Billy Donovan has his back and said the team is patiently awaiting his return.
"Hopefully, we can get Lonzo back ... He's a guy that everyone enjoys playing with," Donovan said in an interview for Sirius XM.
Ball last played in January 2022, the same month he underwent his first knee surgery to repair his meniscus. In September 2022, he had another surgery on the knee with an expected recovery period of 4-6 weeks. But he struggled regaining strength in his leg and in 2023, was ruled out for the remainder of the season. He underwent a third surgery in March 2023.
A cartilage transplant ruled him out of the upcoming season, and he shared that he also received a new meniscus around the same time.
"There was no more meniscus left, and bone on bone was rubbing," Ball said in an interview with ESPN in June.
He first tore his meniscus in 2018 while playing for the LA Lakers, who drafted the guard out of UCLA with the No. 2 overall pick in 2017. He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a massive package for Anthony Davis, which he recently joked about, saying he would have made the move himself.
Ball has averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.8 steals in 35 career games with the Bulls. Donovan said he is impressed with the strides Ball has made since being cleared for NBA activities in March.
Bulls coach Bill Donovan hypes up Josh Giddey, Lonzo Ball
When speaking on what Ball brings to the Bulls, Donovan said "the same can be said" for new guard Josh Giddey.
"He's kind of a pass-first guy, really good at advanced passing, getting it up the floor," Donovan said.
Donovan said before Ball's injury, the team played with a pace that they haven't brought back since. He believes Giddey can help them move the ball up the floor quicker, like Ball.
"I think he will allow us to play a little bit faster than we have played the last couple of years," he said.
Giddey joins the Bulls following a trade for former guard Alex Caruso. Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Thunder last year but saw himself playing second-fiddle to primary ball-handler Shai Gilgeous Alexander.
Giddey's arrival gives the Bulls a versatile backcourt that also includes up-and-comer Coby White and Ball.