Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is poised to make his return to the court after an extended absence due to a series of knee injuries. Ball, who last played in an NBA game on January 14, 2022, has undergone multiple surgeries, including a torn meniscus repair, arthroscopic debridement, and an experimental cartilage transplant procedure. Despite these setbacks, Ball's confidence in his readiness for the upcoming season remains steadfast.
During the recent media day, Ball expressed his belief that he will be ready for the Bulls' first regular-season game. "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 said. His determination is mirrored by Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas, who is cautiously optimistic about Ball's prospects. "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 noted.
In preparation for his return, Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players in late August. Even with the positive progress, the team is taking a measured approach. Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and will likely avoid back-to-back games as he acclimates to the NBA's physical demands once more. The caution exercised by the Bulls' management underscores the premium placed on Ball's long-term health and effectiveness.
The landscape of the Bulls roster has changed since Ball's last active season. Crucial players from Ball's initial tenure with Chicago, such as DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, are no longer with the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City, bringing Josh Giddey to Chicago as part of the deal. Ball addressed this transition by remarking on the addition of Giddey, "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 wake of these roster changes, other players have stepped up to fill the void left by departed teammates. Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu, who concluded the previous season on a high note, are now in vital roles. As Ball integrates back into the team, he sees himself as an adaptable player ready to contribute amid these shifts. "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," Ball shared.
The upcoming season holds promise for the Chicago Bulls, with the potential return of Lonzo Ball injecting a much-needed boost to the team's prospects. His journey from injury and rehabilitation to stepping back onto the court has been arduous but marked by resilience. As the Bulls prepare for the rigors of the NBA season, the excitement surrounding Ball's return is palpable, not just within the team but also among fans eager to see their point guard in action once more.