Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has been working tirelessly to return to the basketball court, expressing his optimism about being ready for the team's first regular-season game during a recent media day. Despite his promising outlook, it has been a challenging journey for the young athlete.
A Long Road to Recovery
The Chicago Bulls have been without Lonzo Ball since January 14, 2022. His prolonged absence from the NBA was primarily due to a torn meniscus in his knee, which was followed by numerous setbacks in his rehabilitation process. The road to recovery has been anything but smooth for Ball.
Initially undergoing a second knee surgery, specifically an arthroscopic debridement procedure, Ball aimed to accelerate his comeback. However, additional complications necessitated a third and experimental surgery in March 2023—a cartilage transplant. It was a risky procedure, but one Ball hoped would finally help him overcome the persistent knee issues.
In late August, signs of progress emerged as Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players. This was his first significant action on the court in many months, and it sparked a cautious optimism about his return.
Evaluating Condition
Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' President, acknowledges the uphill battle that Ball faces but remains hopeful about his return. "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," stated Karnisovas.
While there are positive signs, the Bulls are taking no chances. Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction, and it is unlikely he will participate in back-to-back games initially. The team is prioritizing a cautious approach to ensure his long-term health and success on the court.
Adapting to Changes
Ball himself is realistic about the physical toll his knee issues have taken on him. "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," he remarked.
It's not just his physical condition that has changed. The Bulls' roster has undergone significant changes since Ball last played. Key players like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were pivotal during Ball's first season with Chicago, are no longer on the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey, who is now expected to fill a crucial role on the team.
Ball acknowledged the team's decision, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and teamwork in their efforts to win. "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.
Optimism for the Season
Despite the changes, Ball remains confident in his ability to adapt and contribute to the team's success. "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 shared.
Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player a year ago, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, will both play crucial roles alongside Ball. Together, they aim to bring the Bulls back to competitive form.
The coming days in training camp will be critical as Ball and the team gauge his readiness for the grueling schedule of an NBA season. While it’s been a long and challenging recovery for Lonzo Ball, his determination and the Bulls' cautious optimism could pave the way for a successful comeback to the court. As the season opener approaches, all eyes will be on Ball and the Bulls as they hope to make a significant impact.