“Now I’m here. It’s all behind me now.” The hoop community rejoiced as Lonzo Ball made his emotional return to the hardwood after 1006 long days of knee surgeries and rehab. Well, this was during the preseason and the point guard has already played three regular-season games since then. Surely nothing could go wrong now. Right? Unfortunately, the hooper has suffered another devastating setback that will see him missing more time in the coming days.

Per the Bulls’ statement, Lonzo suffered a right wrist sprain during the first quarter of last night’s game against the Grizzlies. “Ball will be re-evaluated in 10 days with updates provided as appropriate.” Sure enough, it means he will not suit up tomorrow against the Magic.

Yes, this is tragic news for a player who has spent nearly three years dealing with health concerns. While he was recovering from the knee injury, there was a time when Lonzo couldn’t even perform basic bodily functions. “I still can’t play basketball. I can’t run or jump. There’s a range from, like, 30 to 60 degrees when my knee is bent that I have no force. And I can’t catch myself.”

Lonzo Ball was forced to undergo three surgeries, including a rare cartilage and meniscus transplant surgery, something that no athlete has ever been able to return from. But the Chicago hooper beat the odds with his perseverance.

Fortunately, Lonzo’s latest injury is not on his surgically repaired knee or anywhere close to that part of the body. But the wrist sprain is still something that will halt his momentum yet again and possibly affect his rhythm, which he so very needs when he returns. The hooper understandably needed more time on the court to regain his groove after the long hiatus.

How has Lonzo Ball played so far and who will replace him during his absence?

Sure enough, everyone was hyped when Lonzo went off for 10 points in just fifteen minutes in his comeback game in the preseason. But he has not been able to play like that in the regular season so far. In his 3 appearances, the point guard is averaging a career-low 4.7 points. His playmaking ability also took a hit with less than 4 assists per game. Obviously, some of it has to do with his reduced minutes and change in role from a starter to a bench player. Then, there is also rust from not playing a game for nearly 3 years.

Fortunately, the Bulls will not be too worried about Lonzo Ball’s absence because they now have Josh Giddey to replace him in the lineup. Well, the Australian joined the team this summer and has been in the starting lineup in every game so far.

He has been very impressive, averaging 14.3 points along with 6 assists. So, while Lonzo Ball recovers from the wrist injury, Josh Giddey can help the team stay afloat until he returns. Hopefully, that will be soon because fans want to see their beloved star succeed after the struggles he has faced in recent years. It would be truly poetic if Lonzo managed to live up to the standards he once set.