Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is working his way back onto the court with high hopes of being ready for the team's first regular-season game. After last playing an NBA game on January 14, 2022, Ball has faced a tumultuous journey back from a torn meniscus in his knee and subsequent setbacks in his rehabilitation process.
Following an arthroscopic debridement procedure and a third experimental surgery in March 2023 — a cartilage transplant — Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players in late August. Despite the grueling recovery, Ball remains optimistic about his playing future with the Bulls. "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," he remarked. "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."
Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas mirrors Ball’s cautious optimism, highlighting the need for a gradual 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," Karnisovas said. This measured approach signifies the team's awareness of Ball's physical limitations and the importance of managing his minutes strategically. As such, Ball is expected to be on a minutes restriction and likely will not participate in back-to-back games.
A Changing Roster
Ball's return coincides with significant changes to the Bulls roster. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were essential during Ball's first season with Chicago, have both departed the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City, a deal that brought Josh Giddey to the Bulls. Ball views this trade with a positive outlook. "I think they're trying to do what's best for the team," he said. "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."
Key Players Stepping Up
While Caruso's absence will be felt, the team can take solace in the emergence of other key players. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player last season, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished strong and now finds himself in a crucial role, are expected to step up. The adjustments within the team have not dampened Ball's enthusiasm or confidence. "I feel like I can personally play with anybody," he asserted. "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 upcoming season will undoubtedly test Ball's resilience and the Bulls' adaptability. With Ball's skill and IQ leading the charge and the support of rising talents like White and Dosunmu, the team aims to navigate these changes smoothly and optimize their performance on the court.