Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball expressed confidence in being ready for the team's first regular-season game at the recent media day, marking a hopeful return after an extended absence. Ball last played an NBA game on January 14, 2022, and his journey back to the court has been anything but straightforward.
Ball’s absence from the game stemmed from a torn meniscus in his knee, an injury followed by numerous setbacks during his rehabilitation. Determined to return to top form, Ball underwent a second knee surgery, specifically an arthroscopic debridement procedure. However, hopes for a swift comeback were dashed when further complications necessitated a third and experimental surgery—a cartilage transplant—in March 2023.
By late August, Ball was able to rejoin the court for 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, signaling a positive turn in his recovery process. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas emphasized a cautious approach regarding Ball's return, expressing, "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."
Despite his progress, Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and likely will not participate in back-to-back games initially. The challenges of adjusting his playing style were not lost on Ball. "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," said Ball.
The team's dynamics have shifted significantly since Ball's last game. Key players DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were crucial during Ball’s initial stint with the Bulls, are no longer on the roster. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey, an acquisition that Lonzo sees as a strategic move for the team's 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 explained.
The evolving lineup means that younger talents such as Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu will have more significant roles. White, a finalist for Most Improved Player award last year, and Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, will be pivotal as the Bulls navigate the transition period. Ball expressed his readiness to adapt to the new team structure, stating, "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 move forward, the integration of Ball into the lineup will be a storyline to watch closely. While he may not be as explosive as he once was, his basketball intelligence and refined skills promise to bring valuable contributions to the team. The hope is that Ball's perseverance through a grueling recovery will pay off, assisting in leading the Bulls to a successful season.