Natalia Chi
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If the Bulls haven’t had an argument yet, they should have one soon: have guards Lonzo Ball Did you play his last game with the team?
coach Billy Donovan When asked about what Ball, who had a cartilage transplant in his left knee, undergoing his third surgery in 14 months, may have last worn in a January 2022 game against the Warriors in January 2022 , was not there yet on Friday. The first game he got injured.
“I feel optimistic because I see him and his desire to come back. I believe he will be back there,” said Donovan.
As is the case with most NBA coaches and their point guards, there is a special bond between Donovan and Ball. Even with the ball sidelined, the two spoke frequently, with Donovan attempting to separate the business and human aspects of the injury.
“I am sad,” he said. “From a team standpoint, a coaching standpoint, he’s a really good player and you love him there. Just like being around him, when you’re around him, the game is taken from him and the fact that he can’t play, you just feel terrible for him. Because I love him, he loves to play.
“I’ve seen all that he’s tried to get back on the court since this happened, and I’ve always wanted to see a guy who gets rewarded by doing the work he put in to get him back.”
Unfortunately, this story may not end that way. Even if the surgery goes well, Ball’s recovery appears to be long and likely he will miss most or all of next season. .
“The biggest thing we can do is support him and be there for him,” Donovan said. And the next surgery, he’s out indefinitely. He has been through a lot mentally.
“Even if he comes in and is around the team for a period of time, there is a lot of time he is away from everyone. But he’s handling himself incredibly well.”
green day
We had some good knee-related news on Friday.donovan he said Javonte Green (right knee) completed a positive week with a full contact practice against the Windy City Bulls. Green last played on his December 31st, when he was out of action due to knee pain. When rehab didn’t help, he opted for cleanup surgery.
The recovery has not been successful until recently, as the green had problems with lateral cuts and travel. The hope is that he has turned the corner and, barring setbacks, he could be back within the next week.
