As the Chicago Bulls prepare for the upcoming NBA season, all eyes are on their point guard, Lonzo Ball. During the team's recent media day, Ball confidently declared he would be ready for the first regular-season game, signaling a significant step forward in his arduous journey back from injury.
Lonzo Ball last appeared in an NBA game on January 14, 2022. His prolonged absence from the court was primarily due to a torn meniscus in his knee, which led to numerous setbacks during his rehabilitation. The road to recovery has been anything but smooth for Ball, having undergone multiple surgical procedures. After initially trying a second knee surgery that involved arthroscopic debridement, Ball resorted to an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023.
Overcoming Setbacks
The arduous process of rehabilitation seemed to turn a corner in late August, when Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players. While Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas remains cautiously optimistic about Ball's availability for opening night, he acknowledged that the team would need to ease Ball back into full activities. "Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly," Karnisovas said. "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 experiences during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices."
Despite the improvements, Ball will likely face restrictions, including limited minutes and possibly avoiding participation in back-to-back games. This cautious approach aims to ensure that he can sustainably reintegrate into the team without risking further injury.
Team Changes and Adjustments
As Ball makes his comeback, the Bulls roster has seen some significant changes since his last active season. Key players from that period, such as DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, are no longer with the team. Caruso, in particularly shocking trade news, was sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the young and talented Josh Giddey.
While change is inevitable, Ball remains focused on the positive aspects. Reflecting on the trade, he said, "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."
In the midst of these transitions, other players have stepped up. Coby White was a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, showcasing his development and growth. Ayo Dosunmu, who closed out the previous season with a strong performance, now finds himself in a crucial role, ready to make a significant impact.
Adapting and Moving Forward
Ball's return is not just a testament to his perseverance but also to his adaptability. "Obviously, I'm not going to be as athletic as I once was before," Ball admitted. "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."
With a young team around him, Ball is excited about the future. "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.
As the Bulls gear up for the new season, Lonzo Ball's journey from injury to anticipated return stands as a beacon of resilience and hope. With the support of his team and the cautious optimism of the coaching staff, Ball is set to re-establish his presence on the court, potentially steering the Bulls to new heights.