Natalia Chi
Philadelphia — Kochi Billy Donovan betting Lonzo Ball.
But it’s a long shot. Donovan admitted that Ball faces an “uphill battle”.
He announced on Monday that Ball had undergone a cartilage transplant, his third surgery on his left knee in the past 14 months. There are no players.
“Yes,” said Donovan. “I don’t remember if he was in high school or college, bernard king blew ACL [in 1985], and no one returned from there.you probably want it [Ball] You can be the first. I know he’s going to work really hard. I know they felt the surgery went well. But I agree that there’s nothing that says, “hey, this is how we were all able to come back and respond to this.”
“But I do know that Lonzo made a decision that he felt gave him the best chance to get back on the court, with all the information he gathered from various medical groups. But I know he’ll do the best he can in rehab and get back on the court.”
That’s the human side of Ball’s story.
However, the Bulls have to come to terms with the basketball side of the injury and the huge setback it has brought to the organization.
Donovan said he has not been brought into such discussions, but he knows there are discussions between the front office and ownership.
His hope is that once the season is over, he’ll join us to discuss various scenarios going forward.
Ball hasn’t played since Jan. 14, 2022, so the Bulls have had time to adjust in his absence. But when this core was assembled, the ball was the key he was the piece.
“I’m sure the front office and owners will discuss it at the end of the year,” Donovan said.
“Obviously he has a long road to recovery and a long way to go before he can get back on the court and play again, but his work ethic, dedication and drive and how hard he is. He has to play, which means he will use up every opportunity to do it.
“My sense is that next year’s training camp will have to go out there without him. don’t understand.”
Addition by Subtraction
coach dock rivers Here’s what the 76ers said: Joel Embiid Should be the league MVP this season, he doesn’t appreciate the way the race is treated in the media and on the sportstalk circuit.
“Yannis [Antetokounmpo], Jason Tatum, [Nikola Jokic], they’re all great,” Rivers said. “You don’t have to push someone down to elevate another man. Joel is the best of them all in my opinion. Nobody needs me to campaign for him.” I think.
“I don’t know what’s going on to validate one, I have to push the other down.
“What’s happening now has to stop. I hear it, but I don’t like it.”
