Chicago Bulls announce Lonzo Ball is officially shut down this season

The Chicago Bulls' worst-kept secret was finally made official on Tuesday as Executive Vice President for Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas announced that point guard Lonzo Ball will miss the rest of the season and would continue to rehab his knee in the hopes of returning for the 2023-2024 season.

Ball still limited

Despite undergoing a debridement procedure in September 2022 to address lingering issues in the knee that he injured way back in January, Ball has remained without a timetable for a return.

Although he has made strides in strength and mobility, it has not been enough to let him return to performing high-level basketball activities.

“Despite making significant increases in strength and function over the past several months, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball continues to experience performance limiting discomfort during participation in high level basketball-related activities,” said Karnisovas in his statement.

“Considering the required time period to achieve the necessary level of fitness to return-to-play and the current stage of the NBA season, Ball will not return this season. The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season.”

Injury Update: Lonzo Ball will not return this season.

"The focus for Ball will continue to be on the resolution of his discomfort and a full return for the 2023-24 season."

Full Statement from Arturas Karnisovas:
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 21, 2023

What's next for the Bulls?

Now that's out of the way, the Bulls can focus on making the most out of their personnel. With Ball out of the equation, newly acquired point guard Pat Beverley may take a starring role as the Bulls try to make one final push for the NBA Playoffs.

Welcome home, @PatBev21 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BG7uGSMDL7
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 21, 2023

Bulls coach Billy Donovan has not commented about Beverley's place in the rotation, but it's safe to say the 10-year veteran will play a key role. With his aggressive defense and ability to shoot from the outside, Beverley may be just what the Bulls need to make a run at a spot in the postseason.

While many fans were hoping for Ball to return this season, his long-term health is more important than anything else. The Bulls will continue to monitor him throughout the offseason and look forward to a fully healthy Lonzo when training camp starts in September.