A running storyline in Lonzo Ball‘s career has been his proneness to injury. His injury history reads like a CVS receipt with the addition of sitting out two whole seasons from 2022 to 2024. After signing a two-year $20 million extension just a short while ago, Ball has returned to the injury reserve. Should the Bulls’ front office be looking in another direction?
Latest Lonzo Ball Injury is a Red Flag for Chicago
Ball has played in just 35 games this season for Chicago as a starter/key rotation player. He is averaging per-game career lows in minutes (22.2), points (7.6), assists (3.3), and rebounds (3.4). If you adjust them to per 100 possessions, they are some of the worst numbers he’s produced. Despite the questionable performance post-injuries, the Bulls went all-in and extended Ball for two additional seasons, a sign of belief in his recovery.
Since Ball’s extension on February 5th, he has been placed on the injury list 3 times for knee, head, and wrist injuries. He has missed 10 of the 15 games played since the 5th and is expected to miss more due to his current wrist sprain. Before his extension, 51 games occurred, and Ball sat out 21 due to injury.
Should Chicago Have Extended Lonzo Ball?
The Bulls were able to extend Ball’s contract for $10 million per season, over half of what he is currently earning. It is a major discount not many players are willing to accept, but Ball is in no shape to play 50+ games with his current medical standing.
This contract was simply a “hope deal” that Ball would heal over the offseason and be back to even 75% of his former self for a major financial deal. Ball was one of the best defensive guards in the NBA prior to injury, and bringing his skill back to the court would have nothing but upside for Chicago. Permitted that he can stay healthy, it is a team friendly deal.
However, Ball has played over 60 games in just one season, meaning seeing him consistently suit up for Chicago is a pipe dream. This extension simply opens up free agency possibilities while the Bulls hope for Ball’s recovery.
Giving Ball’s Minutes to the Young Core
He is not the defender Ball once was, but Tre Jones is the obvious candidate to take over as a key rotational point guard behind Josh Giddey. Acquired in the three-team trade with Sacramento and San Antonio, Jones has been a solid pickup for the Bulls’ young core.
In 14 games this season for Chicago, Jones has averaged 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists with a 44% 3PT%. He has started in the last 5, adding on three games with 15+ points, four with 5+ assists, and four with 5+ rebounds.
Given the short sample size, Jones has performed very well. With the Bulls moving to a younger roster, the 23-year-old guard should have earned himself a solidified role moving forward. With Ball’s injury concerns being too great, it is too risky to bank on his health. Chicago should look to Jones as their future key rotational guard.
