Lonzo Ball Eyes Return for Bulls’ Season Opener After Extended Absence
In a bold declaration at the recent media day, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball expressed his confidence in being ready for the team's first regular-season game. This announcement comes as a beacon of hope for both the player and the Bulls, considering Ball's prolonged absence from NBA action. Ball last played in an NBA game on January 14, 2022, making his expected return highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Ball's absence from the court stems from a series of unfortunate injuries and subsequent surgeries. Initially, a torn meniscus in his knee sidelined him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. However, his challenges didn’t end there. Setbacks in his rehabilitation process necessitated a second knee surgery, specifically an arthroscopic debridement procedure.
Despite these efforts, Ball’s journey back to health was far from straightforward. In March 2023, he underwent a third and experimental surgery - a cartilage transplant. These cumulative procedures have kept him away from the game for over two and a half years, raising questions about his ability to return to his previous form.
However, there are encouraging signs. In late August, Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, a significant step in his recovery process. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas is cautiously optimistic, supporting the plan for Ball to be ready by opening night while emphasizing the need to monitor his knee throughout training camp. "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.
Even with the optimistic forward-looking statements, practical considerations remain. Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and likely will not participate in back-to-back games. These measures aim to preserve his health and ensure his long-term contribution to the team. Ball himself acknowledged the adjustment he must make, stating, "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."
During Ball’s absence, the Bulls have undergone significant changes. Notably, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were pivotal during Ball's first season with Chicago, are no longer on the team. The Bulls have embraced a youth movement, trading Caruso to Oklahoma City and acquiring Josh Giddey as part of the deal. Ball recognizes these strategic moves, which were made to adapt to his prolonged absence, and seems ready for the challenge, stating, "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."
With these off-season adjustments, the team's dynamic has shifted. Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player a year ago, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, both now find themselves in crucial roles. The integration of Ball back into the lineup will necessitate recalibration for these promising talents as well as the team’s overall strategy. Ball remains confident in his ability to blend into this evolving squad, saying, "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."
The path ahead for Ball and the Bulls isn't without its uncertainties. Monitoring Ball's knee and adjusting to his post-surgery playing style are critical to ensuring his successful return to the court. Nonetheless, his determination and the organization's supportive stance suggest that there is substantive potential for a positive outcome. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Ball's progress, with the hope that he can once again be a linchpin in Chicago's quest for success in the new season.