At the recent media day, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball radiated confidence as he spoke about his readiness for the upcoming NBA season. Ball, who has been sidelined since January 14, 2022, due to a torn meniscus in his knee, has faced a challenging journey back to the court, marked by multiple surgeries and a protracted rehabilitation process.
A Relentless Journey
The initial injury set Ball on a difficult path. Following setbacks in his rehabilitation, he underwent a second surgery, an arthroscopic debridement procedure, to address his knee issues. However, it was not enough. In March 2023, Ball opted for a more experimental approach by undergoing a cartilage transplant, in hopes of salvaging his career.
By late August, there were promising signs of recovery. Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, a significant milestone in his rehabilitation. Despite these positive developments, Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas remains cautiously optimistic. "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," he explained.
New Challenges, New Opportunities
Even as Ball prepares for his return, he acknowledges that his game will inevitably change. "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," Ball stated.
Indeed, the Bulls will be looking to integrate him back into a roster that has undergone significant changes during his absence. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were pivotal during Ball's first season with the team, are no longer with the Bulls. Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Reflecting on these changes, Ball 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."
Adjusting to a New Team Dynamic
Despite the altered roster, Ball remains positive about his ability to adapt and contribute. "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 exclaimed. Ball's transition back to the court will be managed carefully; he is expected to be on a minutes restriction and likely will not participate in back-to-back games initially.
The Bulls will also be relying heavily on other players to step up in Ball's gradual return. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, will play crucial roles. These young talents will need to maintain their upward trajectory to support the team’s success.
As the opening night approaches, anticipation builds around Ball’s comeback and the Bulls’ potential for the new season. His resilience and determination to overcome significant hurdles embody the spirit of a team eager to make an impact in the league.