The Bulls no longer know 'when or if' Lonzo Ball can return from injury this season, and it's devastating

Lonzo Ball was a revelation for the Bulls last season. He was a menace on the defensive end of the floor and he finally found his perfect NBA role.

Since then, however, things have not gone his way. Ball has had two knee procedures, including a meniscus surgery over ten months ago. While he was originally expected to return within weeks, there is no timetable for his return to the court.

Worse yet, due to his injury, Ball is reportedly still unable to run or jump. Here is the latest update that we have about the former No. 2 overall pick (via Chicago Tribune):

“It has been nearly a year since Ball initially injured his left knee in a Jan. 14 game. But coach Billy Donovan said the Bulls don’t know when — or if — their starting point guard will be available this season.

“It’s been really slow,” Donovan said Wednesday before the team’s 132-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns, who got 51 points in three quarters from Devin Booker. “It’s gotten better, but is he clearly without any pain? No, he’s not. He still has pain. We’re seeing the slow, gradual strides getting better, but I just don’t have any timetable of when he could even be back.”

Nine weeks after his second knee procedure, Ball is still unable to run, jump or cut. He has returned to the weight room at the Advocate Center for moderate weightlifting and core exercises, but he hasn’t played basketball or run at full speed since January.”

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said Ball is “not even close” to getting cleared for contact.

That’s incredibly serious, and based on what we know thus far, it would actually be more surprising if he is able to return this season than if he is not.