Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has expressed confidence in his readiness for the team's first regular-season game, signaling a return from an extended absence due to serious knee issues. Ball last stepped onto the court for an NBA game on January 14, 2022, before a torn meniscus sidelined him.
Persistent rehabilitation setbacks kept Ball out of action longer than initially expected. This grueling journey saw him undergo a second surgery — an arthroscopic debridement procedure — followed by a third, more experimental procedure, a cartilage transplant, in March 2023. By late August, Ball had begun participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, a significant milestone in his recovery.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas remains cautiously optimistic about Ball's return by 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 Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and likely will not participate in back-to-back games, he remains unphased by the limitations. "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 said.
Changes in the Lineup
The Bulls' roster has seen significant changes since Ball's last game. Two key players from his initial season, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, no longer wear a Chicago jersey. Caruso's departure to Oklahoma City, which brought Josh Giddey to the Bulls as part of the deal, marks a notable shift. However, Ball views this change positively, 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," Ball commented.
Rising Stars
Emerging talents like Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player last season, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, will play crucial roles in the team's dynamics. Dosunmu specifically finds himself in a vital position as the Bulls look to navigate the competitive landscape of the league with a roster blending both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Looking Forward
As Ball gears up for what he hopes will be a successful comeback, his mindset reflects a blend of wisdom and enthusiasm. "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," he said.
While the journey back has been long and grueling, Ball’s resilience and optimism highlight his readiness to contribute once more to the Bulls' pursuits. With the season opener approaching, both the team and its fans eagerly await seeing Lonzo Ball back in action, hoping his return will be as impactful as his prior performances.