Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is poised to make a return to the NBA court, expressing confidence during the recent media day that he will be ready for the team's first regular-season game. Ball's optimism comes after an extended absence from action, having last played on January 14, 2022. His long hiatus was due to a series of knee complications that began with a torn meniscus.
Ball’s journey back to health has been anything but smooth. After the initial injury, he faced several setbacks in his rehabilitation. These challenges led to a second knee surgery—an arthroscopic debridement procedure. The most significant intervention, however, came in March 2023, when Ball underwent an experimental cartilage transplant. This groundbreaking procedure was a critical step in his recovery process.
By late August, Ball's progress had advanced to the point where he could participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players. This development was a crucial milestone, showcasing his readiness to handle the demands of professional play. Despite this progress, Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas remains cautiously optimistic about Ball’s readiness for the opening night. “Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly. He's already played 5-on-5, but we haven't seen him go through training camp, so there's going to be a lot of learning experience during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices,” Karnisovas stated.
While the team is hopeful, they have also set realistic expectations. Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and probably will not participate in back-to-back games initially. This careful management is designed to ensure his long-term health and effectiveness on the court. “Obviously I'm not going to be as athletic as I once was before, but I feel like skill and IQ can go a long way, especially in the league. I'm not too worried about it, obviously my game's going to have to change a little bit, but I still know how to play the game and I think I can play at a high level,” Ball remarked.
The upcoming season will see a different Bulls roster from the one Ball last played with. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, pivotal players during Ball's first season with Chicago, are no longer on the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City, and in return, the Bulls acquired the promising young guard Josh Giddey. Ball has expressed his support for this move, emphasizing the team's commitment to success. “I think they're trying to do what's best for the team. Obviously, we had a lot of success when I was running point guard, getting rebounds, pushing it up, and Giddey is capable of doing the same thing. For me, I look at it as like, they want to win the most games as possible, and they feel like he can do it, we feel like he can do it and that's why he's here,” he explained.
In addition to Giddey, the Bulls are banking on the continued development of their other young talents. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player last season, is expected to play a significant role. Ayo Dosunmu, who finished his previous season on a high note, now finds himself in a crucial position within the team's rotation. Ball has acknowledged the youthful energy and potential of his teammates, saying, “I feel like I can personally play with anybody. I feel a lot older coming back and seeing guys in here now, we have a young team. But I'm excited to get the year started.”
As the Bulls gear up for the new season, the integration of Ball back into the squad will be one of the key storylines. His journey back from injury has been long and arduous, but his determination and belief in his abilities remain unwavering. With the right mix of cautious optimism and strategic management of playing time, the Bulls hope to see Ball making significant contributions and once again lead the team from the point guard position.