Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has set his sights on being ready for the team's first regular-season game. Speaking at the recent media day, Ball exuded confidence in his readiness to return, although it's clear that the road has been long and arduous.
Ball has not stepped onto an NBA court since January 14, 2022, sidelined initially by a torn meniscus in his knee. What was expected to be a manageable injury turned into a prolonged absence due to complications in his rehabilitation. "Obviously, I'm not going to be as athletic as I once was before," Ball admitted candidly. "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."
A Healing Journey
The path back to the court for Ball has been anything but straightforward. Following his torn meniscus, Ball had to undergo a second surgery—an arthroscopic debridement procedure—to alleviate ongoing issues in his knee. With recovery still eluding him, March 2023 saw him opting for a third, experimental surgery: a cartilage transplant. This bold move was his last resort to return to peak physical form.
Despite the gravity of these medical interventions, optimism within the Bulls organization remains. In late August, the guard began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, an encouraging sign of progress. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas spoke on the situation, stating, "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."
Operational Cautiousness
Even with the measured optimism, the Bulls are approaching Ball's return with caution. It's expected that he will be on a minutes restriction and will not participate in back-to-back games initially. This careful management approach is intended to ensure sustained health and productivity for the guard, avoiding any further setbacks.
Much has changed since Ball last suited up for the Bulls. Key contributors from Ball's inaugural season in Chicago, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, are no longer with the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey, signaling a shift in the team's dynamics and strategy. "I think they're trying to do what's best for the team," Lonzo reflected on the changes. "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."
The Road Ahead
As Ball eyes his return, the Bulls also look toward the future with a roster flush with young talent. Players like Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player a year ago, and Ayo Dosunmu, who ended the previous season strongly, are now cornerstones holding vital roles on the team. Ball acknowledges the influx of young talent, "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."
With Ball's return, the Bulls aim to rekindle the spark he brought to the team. His seasoned court vision and playmaking abilities, even if slightly altered by his lengthy recovery, could serve as a catalyst for the team's ambitions. Karnisovas remains optimistic, albeit cautiously, "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."
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball, anticipating the resurgence of a player who has worked tirelessly to don the Bulls' jersey once more. The road has been fraught with challenges, but Ball's resilience and determination may well herald a successful return to the team and to the game he loves.