“I am not optimistic”: Chicago Bulls insider Sam Smith remains pessimistic about future of Lonzo Ball

Chicago Bulls insider Sam Smith remains sceptical about the potential return of Lonzo Ball to playing at the highest level. The 26-year-old was once rated as the next big thing.

However, Ball’s career took a downward trajectory as he suffered a serious knee injury two seasons back. It is because of this reason he has not played a match in the NBA since then and he has already been ruled out for this season as well.

Smith was recently quoted in a report where he stated that he is not confident anymore about Ball’s ability to play at the highest level.

“I’m not optimistic about Ball, though we all hope he can play again,” he said. “But if he can come through yet another surgery, it’s actually unfair to expect him to return to a high level of play after basically not playing for three years. And the way it’s sounded almost learning to walk again.

“I do believe he will play in the NBA again, but it seems a lot to expect it to be next season to the point you look at it like him in 2020. Grant Hill took several years and a team change to finally get back to helping a team after missing several seasons. And a different team.”