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It seemed odd that veteran guard Goran Dragic would pick the Chicago Bulls early in free agency. He was already proud of his depth at the position of
That makes more sense after the Bulls announced on Wednesday that Ball will undergo an arthroscopic debridement of his left knee next week. It’s a disappointing blow for Ball, who underwent surgery for the same knee bone bruise and meniscus tear in January.
“It’s sad for him,” the NBA executive said. “He’s been scarred his entire career.”
Ball, who turns 25 next month, peaked in 63 games with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019-20 season, playing at least 55 games only once in five seasons. This includes LA his first two years in the league with the Lakers. Ball spent the offseason recovering from injuries instead of famously reworking his shot mechanics.
it’s unfortunate. When healthy, he’s one of the unique players in the league and arguably the Bulls’ best two-way he’s a player.
Ball’s defensive rating of 107 points per 100 possessions was second only to Caruso’s 105.5 among guards on the team. By comparison, DeMar DeRozan had a low 112, Zach Lavigne had him 113.4, White had him 113.6, and Dosunmu had even worse with his 114.1.
Prolific scorers like LaVine (112.5) and White (112.3) boasted higher offensive ratings, but both Caruso (110.5) and Ball (110.1) were close behind.
Caruso and Ball give the Bulls the best chance of getting a stop without draining the offense. Not many players are this productive in tandem, and the Bulls need it to be strong in the postseason.
“Lonzo doesn’t need the ball, which is weird for a point guard,” said the former NBA executive. “He’s all over the place defensively just hopping offensively for the team.”
Chicago’s hope is that Ball will recover from this next step and return in November or December. The horror is that the still-young guard will not fulfill his $80 million to his $84 million contract.
Without the ball, the team’s defense suffers. Caruso and second-year guard Dosunmu suffer. The rest of the backcourts (Lavigne, White and Dragic) are not known as top class defenders. DeRozan is not the defender he used to be. Chicago needs a big defensive year from forward Patrick Williams, especially missing the ball.
The challenge for the Bulls trying to solve this problem is the uncertainty of ball recovery. Considering that his recovery from surgery in January has been uneventful, a smooth return cannot be expected. If he’s not a significant part of the rotation this season, the franchise will be hit hard.
But if the ball is back in shape by December, trading in the interim is probably unfair. Chicago shouldn’t be in a rush to make a deal given it doesn’t have much to offer.
The team still owes a protected first-round pick to the Orlando Magic (Nicola Vucevic) and the San Antonio Spurs (DeRozan). These protections, along with the Stepien rule, make it difficult for teams to submit their own separate firsts. Unless the Bulls strike a subsequent deal with the Spurs to fix their protection, the first thing Chicago has to offer is the Portland Trail against Lauri Markkanen in a three-way trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer. Only offers from the Blazers (2023).
The Blazers’ first player, who is lottery-protected through 2028, is the only significant trade asset the Bulls have to offer without removing talent from their current roster.
Despite the Williams trade ban due to offseason talk, Chicago was believed to have opened up a market for Whites this summer. Should the team let go of another guard now that they hurt the ball?
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Naturally, the outgoing trade collateral depends on the return. White is in the final year of his $7.4 million contract and is eligible for an extension until the season begins. There is little hope in the league that White’s extension is near. If he gets dealt, the Bulls could bring back a player who makes up to $9.37 million. If he were packaged with center Tony Bradley, that would balloon to $11.9 million.
But what is Chicago targeting? Vucevic is in the final year of his contract and is projected to remain with the franchise for the long term. The Bulls may be targeting a starting forward, but if the team expects Williams to grow into the role, a quick trade doesn’t make much sense.
Ball could return to full strength and Williams could have a breakout season.The Bulls, who are just under the NBA’s $150.3 million luxury tax threshold, are cautiously must be dealt with. Franchises don’t have the flexibility to make emergency deals just because Ball may be out for a few months.
Free agency is not the answer. Because Chicago paid close attention to signing Dragic to add depth to its backcourt. The Bulls should get through the early part of the season without much trouble.
The Bulls acquired the ball in a sign-and-trade from the Pelicans last summer, so the foot problems that have plagued Ball for most of his career shouldn’t come as a surprise to the Bulls.
He has three years left on his contract, including a player option for 2024-25. Chicago needs him healthy heading into the playoffs later this year. It’s not the crisis of September or October.
Given his talent, it’s a real shame that the ball won’t fully recover.
Email Eric Pincus to eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. @Eric Pincus.
