At the recent media day, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball shared an optimistic outlook regarding his return to the court for the team's first regular-season game. Ball, who hasn't played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, has been on a lengthy road to recovery following a torn meniscus in his knee and subsequent setbacks in his rehabilitation process.
A Long Road to Recovery
Ball's journey back to the court has been anything but straightforward. His initial injury was followed by a second knee surgery involving an arthroscopic debridement procedure. In March 2023, Ball underwent a third and experimental surgery—a cartilage transplant—to address his ongoing issues. Despite these challenges, his dedication to returning to peak form has never wavered.
In late August, Ball made significant progress by participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players. This marked a pivotal step in his recovery process, suggesting that his return to competitive play might be closer than fans anticipated. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas has expressed cautious optimism about Ball's readiness for opening night but emphasized the need to bring him along gradually.
Approaching Cautiously
"Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly," Karnisovas explained. "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."
Given the extensive nature of his rehabilitation, Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction initially and likely will not participate in back-to-back games. This cautious approach aims to ensure he can sustain his performance without risking further injury.
Adjusting His Game
Understanding the toll the injury and surgeries have taken on his body, Ball has realistic expectations for his return. "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," Ball stated. "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."
Despite these changes, Ball remains confident in his ability to contribute significantly to the team. His adaptability and basketball intelligence are assets he believes will help him navigate this next chapter in his career.
Team Dynamics
The Bulls' roster has undergone significant changes since Ball's last appearance, notably with key players DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso no longer with the team. The Bulls traded Caruso to Oklahoma City, acquiring Josh Giddey as part of the deal. Ball commented on this shift in dynamics: "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."
New Roles and Emerging Stars
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, they will lean on emerging talents to fill the void left by departing stars. Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player a year ago, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, are expected to play crucial roles. Ball expressed his readiness to integrate with the team’s newer players: "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."
Karnisovas and the Bulls organization look forward to reintegrating Ball into the lineup, albeit with a measured approach. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Ball back on the court, hoping his return can catalyze a successful season for the Chicago Bulls.