Chicago Bulls fans have been holding their breath for an update on Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t taken the court since February 28 against the Toronto Raptors. With the Bulls gearing up for the play-in tournament, Ball’s absence has been felt deeply. Coach Billy Donovan recently shed light on the situation in an interview with Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune, offering clarity—but not without some lingering concerns.
The Latest from Billy Donovan
Donovan revealed that there’s no structural issue with Ball’s wrist. Medically speaking, he’s been cleared to play. However, the biggest hurdle is pain management. Ball suffered a wrist sprain back in October, and despite his best efforts, he hasn’t been pain-free since.
“There’s no problem medically — from what I’ve been told by the people that have been dealing with his wrist — of him going out there and playing,” Donovan said. “Whenever he does get back to playing, if he falls on it wrong, he’s going to be right back to where he was. If he can get back and play to a point where he feels comfortable that he can be productive out there, we’re going to play him.”
In simpler terms, Ball isn’t risking further injury by returning, but his wrist won’t fully heal for months. Surgery isn’t on the table at this time, leaving the Bulls and Ball to navigate this challenging situation carefully.
Why Ball’s Return is Unclear?
According to reports, Ball’s wrist pain is ongoing. Even if he’s cleared to play, he won’t be pain free or fully healed. This creates a Catch 22: the Bulls need Ball’s contributions but they also know he needs to be healthy and effective when he returns.
Ball’s season has already been injury plagued. The 27 year old guard has played in just 35 games, averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists on shooting splits of 37/34/82. His absence has left a void in the backcourt and while players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu have stepped up Ball’s return could be a big boost as the team tries to get into playoff position.
Can Ball Make it Back for the Play-In?
The Bulls hope Ball will be back before the play-in tournament. While Donovan said Ball isn’t putting himself at greater risk by playing the decision ultimately comes down to whether Ball feels good enough to contribute.
If Ball can get back even at less than 100%, it could be a big difference for the Bulls. His defense, playmaking and leadership on the court are things the team has missed dearly during his absence.