In a recent media day, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball exuded confidence about his readiness for the team's first regular-season game. Ball, who last set foot on an NBA court on January 14, 2022, has had a challenging journey back to form, marred by a torn meniscus and subsequent setbacks during his rehabilitation process.
Chronicle of a Comeback: Ball's Rehabilitation
Ball’s initial injury—a torn meniscus—demanded multiple surgical interventions. After the first surgery, the Bulls guard faced hurdles that delayed his recovery, leading to a second knee surgery: an arthroscopic debridement procedure. However, it was the third surgery in March 2023 that raised eyebrows—a cartilage transplant, deemed experimental, added another layer of complexity to his rehabilitation.
In late August, after months of uncertainty, Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages alongside other NBA players. This marked a significant milestone in his recovery, and a glimmer of hope among Bulls fans who have been eager to see their point guard back in action. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas shared a cautiously optimistic outlook on Ball’s progress. "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 commented.
Adjusting Expectations and Navigating Changes
While Ball has made strides in his recovery, he acknowledges that there's an inevitable evolution in his 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," Ball said.
His remarks reflect an understanding that adaptation is integral to his return to the court. With a strategy involving a minutes restriction and likely not participating in back-to-back games, the Bulls are treading carefully to ensure his long-term fitness.
New Faces and New Roles
Ball’s comeback coincides with substantial roster changes. Key teammates from his first season with the Bulls, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, are no longer with the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey, shifting the dynamics within the team. Ball elaborated on this shift by focusing on the bigger picture. "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," Ball explained.
With the departure of pivotal players, other Bulls members are stepping into more crucial roles. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu, who ended the previous season on a high note, are now at the forefront, charged with significant responsibilities.
Embracing the Future
As Ball prepares to rejoin a younger team, his outlook is one of optimism and readiness to engage positively with the new dynamic. "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 shared.
The road to recovery is often longer and more winding than originally anticipated, but for Lonzo Ball and the Chicago Bulls, the path forward is cautiously, yet resolutely, being navigated. As the team gears up for the start of the season, all eyes will be on Ball to see how he integrates back into competitive play and how he and his teammates adjust to the changes that the new season brings.