© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Donovan says Lonzo Ball's recovery "has been really slow"
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Lonzo Ball isn't walking onto the hallowed floors of the United Center or any other basketball court any time soon, nor should fans expect him to. This was the blunt assessment of Bulls head coach Billy Donovan as he discussed the status of the point guard's recovery from a knee injury.
Slow process
Donovan stated that Ball's rehab has been slow and methodical, which is to be expected given the severity of the injury he suffered late last season, which caused him to miss all but 35 games last season and all of the games this season.
The dynamic two-way player had surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and then had another in September to remedy some complications that were causing him pain.
"It's been really slow; I'm just being honest," said Donovan of Ball's recovery process.
Donovan shared that Ball is taking on more load in his rehab sessions. However, there weren't any specifics that would imply a return is imminent.
"I think he's working through more and more, but it's not like I can give you any report, 'Hey, he's running, he's cutting, he's jumping, he's doing individual skill work, the next step is we've got to get him some contact," the Bulls' head coach said.
One step at a time
Donovan disclosed that there hadn't been any discussions about Ball taking any contact, as they are still ensuring he's pain-free in everything he does. Before the second surgery, Ball shared that he was experiencing pain while doing menial things such as running and jumping.
"I think him working through the pain he was experiencing before, there has been improvement in that area. But they're also trying to continue to build up strength because of the lack of time he's had training," Donovan relayed.
For now, the Chicago Bulls will have to wade through the NBA waters without the services of their starting point guard and hope that if and when he returns, their heads will be above water. All the while, Ball continues to rehab and remains focused on his end goal of returning to 100% health.
