It’s fair to say that Lonzo Ball’s career hasn’t lived up to the expectations typically placed on a top-5 NBA draft pick, but calling him a “bust” is a more complicated judgment that depends on how you define the term.
Why Some Might Call Him a Bust:
- Injuries: Injuries have severely limited his availability. He hasn’t played an NBA game since January 2022 due to chronic knee issues, which is especially disappointing for someone taken 2nd overall in the 2017 draft.
- Limited Offensive Growth: While he improved his shooting, Lonzo never became a dominant scorer or offensive centerpiece, something often expected of a top-5 pick.
- Comparison to Draft Peers: That same 2017 draft class included Jayson Tatum (3rd pick), De’Aaron Fox (5th), and Donovan Mitchell (13th) — all of whom became All-Stars and franchise cornerstones.
Why He Might Not Be a Bust:
- Elite Defense and Playmaking: When healthy, Lonzo was one of the best perimeter defenders and a high-IQ passer. His defense, transition play, and improved 3-point shooting made him a very valuable role player.
- Team Impact: The Bulls were significantly better with him on the floor during the 2021-22 season — his defensive presence, pace pushing, and floor spacing were crucial.
- Bust ≠ Injury-Caused Decline: Some argue a “bust” implies underperformance due to lack of skill or effort, not injuries. In Lonzo’s case, the biggest issue was staying on the court, not his skill level.
Verdict:
If you’re measuring purely by the expectation for a #2 overall pick, it’s fair to call Lonzo’s career disappointing. But labeling him a straight-up bust ignores the impact he had when healthy and the unfortunate role of injuries in derailing his development.
