Lonzo Ball could become first NBA player to return after cartilage transplant / News - Basketnews.com

Lonzo Ball aims to be the first NBA player in league history to return after a cartilage transplant. Ball has undergone a third surgery on his left knee recently: "I'm confident these next steps are the best path forward."

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball underwent a third surgery on his left knee and will be out indefinitely. Ball required a cartilage transplant, which is a very rare procedure in the sports world.

Lonzo Ball

Team:Chicago BullsPosition:PGAge:25Height:198 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:California, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

No NBA player has undergone a cartilage transplant and returned to the court.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is concern about Ball's ability to resume his basketball career.

Still, this procedure is the only pathway to play again.

"My main focus has been on returning to the court and getting to a place where I can rejoin my teammates," Ball said in a statement from the team. "This has been a frustrating process, but I'm confident these next steps are the best path forward.

"The support of my family, friends, fans, and medical staff throughout my recovery is what keeps me moving forward. I can't wait to get back to what I love doing most – playing basketball."

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan could not provide any certainty.

"It's indefinite," Donovan said. "I did not really get a timetable, just that he is going to be out indefinitely. My feeling would be next year's training camp, you've got to go in there with him not being available.

"I think you have to prepare like that, but I just don't know what the length of time actually will be for him being able to get at some point back on the court playing again."

The 25-year-old Ball had already undergone two surgeries on his left knee since Jan. 14, 2022, which is the last time he played a game for Chicago.

After the most recent surgery in September, Ball was scheduled to be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks, but he has been unable to participate in basketball-related activities without experiencing discomfort.

"I continue to admire Lonzo's perseverance throughout this journey," said Bulls Exec. VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas. "This has been a long and challenging road for him, and this decision has been a difficult one to make.

"The organization is behind him, and he has our full support. Our training and medical staff continue their commitment to Lonzo's rehabilitation and to working with him throughout this next phase to ensure his healthy return to basketball."

Ball, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2017, signed with Chicago prior to the 2021-22 season. He averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists over 35 games last season prior to suffering this knee injury.

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