Lonzo Ball’s absence from the basketball court docket is just rising longer.
Executive vice chairman of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas confirmed Thursday that Ball will not be anticipated to play for the Chicago Bulls within the 2023-24 NBA season.
Ball underwent a uncommon cartilage transplant in March, his third process to deal with a baffling knee damage that has stored him sidelined since January 2022. While Karnišovas stated Ball is “recovering nicely” after shifting off crutches in May, the group doesn’t have any expectation for the purpose guard to return to the court docket this coming season.
“Going into the offseason, our expectation is that he’s not coming back next season and he’s going to continue on his recovery,” Karnišovas stated. “If he comes back, it would be great but we’re just going to treat this offseason and getting ready for the season that he’s not going to be back.”
The Bulls have been dedicated to Ball’s long-term rehabilitation over the previous 17 months. But no NBA participant has undergone a cartilage transplant and returned to the court docket, reflecting a bleak outlook for Ball’s future in Chicago — and within the league.
Despite no expectations of returning their level guard to the court docket this season, Karnišovas stated the Bulls wouldn’t have any plans to waive Ball earlier than the season to alleviate wage cap strain created by his four-year, $80 million contract.
“The hope eventually is that you’re going to see him on the basketball court,” Karnišovas stated.
In the meantime, the Bulls should face the gaping gap left within the level guard place by Ball’s prolonged absence.
The Bulls have struggled with offensive stagnancy and an absence of 3-point taking pictures quantity over the past two seasons, leaning on stopgap options like then-rookie Ayo Dosunmu and late-season signing Patrick Beverley.
Karnišovas signaled that the purpose guard place shall be a key focus — together with 3-point taking pictures — for the Bulls in free company, which opens on June 30.
“We’re going to address it,” Karnišovas stated. “Once the free agency starts, I’m sure this information will come out and we’ll see what we have but there’s a lot of work to do. We have to get better. We’re going to address that.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com