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Bulls insider: Lonzo Ball’s health is ‘absolutely a concern’

Thomas Carannante|
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls watches action during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls watches action during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Despite a blistering start to the year which featured leading the way in the Eastern Conference for quite some time, the Chicago Bulls are wondering what could have been now that their offseason has arrived after a quick playoff elimination at the hands of the defending-champion Milwaukee Bucks.

One of those “what ifs” was point guard Lonzo Ball, who had signed a four-year contract with the team last year and was one of the main catalysts on both sides of the ball during his first season in Chicago.

However, he went down with a knee injury in February and never returned. The Bulls were largely awful without him, failing to move efficiently on offense as well as bring the intensity and make adjustments on defense. Many fans who watched the team closely weren’t surprised in the correlation between Ball’s presence and the Bulls’ potential.

The former No. 2 overall pick underwent surgery to repair a meniscus tear and dealt with pain resulting from a bone bruise during 2021-2022, and that’s got some worried given his lengthy injury history.

Ball even expressed frustration with his situation because he believed he’d be returning sooner … or at all.

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has a lengthy injury history

Here’s what Bulls insider KC Johnson told NBC Sports Chicago in a recent interview:

"“The fact that he had surgery in February to repair a meniscus that was torn for the second time, and is still experience pain from a bone bruise that predated that injury, it’s absolutely a concern. Ultimately I think he’ll be back at the start of next season, but the fact these injury woes are still following him is certainly a concern at the front of his four-year deal.”"

It’s a sizable four-year deal, too. Ball is making $80 million over the life of the contract, earning $19.53 million in 2022-2023, $20.46 million in 2023-2024, and, if he picks up his player option, $21.39 million in 2024-2025.

If he’s not able to get healthy and stay healthy, the Bulls will be hamstrung in so many ways both on and off the court. There’s no reason to think otherwise after what fans just witness as the Bulls are currently constructed.

However, Ball seems confident if he and the rest of the roster can shake the injury bug (Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Alex Caruso all missed enough time to affect the team’s trajectory) then they’ll have a true shot at contending … at least based on his comments last week.

You have to think Ball’s health and ability to stay on the court will play a role in the Bulls’ decision to give LaVine a max contract, right? So, yeah, Chicago really needs a change in fortune on this front.