Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, who has been sidelined since January 14, 2022, due to a series of knee injuries and surgeries, is expressing newfound confidence in his preparedness for the upcoming regular season. During a recent media day, Ball made it clear that he plans to be ready for the team's first game, despite the long road to recovery he has endured over the past year and a half.
A Long Road to Recovery
Ball's journey began with a torn meniscus in his knee, followed by a series of setbacks that significantly delayed his return to the NBA. He underwent two knee surgeries, including an arthroscopic debridement procedure, before opting for a third experimental surgery in March 2023, which involved a cartilage transplant. This series of medical interventions aimed to repair and strengthen his knee, allowing him to return to peak physical condition.
By late August, Ball had begun participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, a key milestone in his recovery process. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas expressed cautious optimism regarding Ball's progress, 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."
Adapting and Evolving
Despite the rigorous rehabilitation and the physical changes he has experienced, Ball remains positive about his ability to contribute to the team. "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," Ball shared. "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."
Changes in Team Dynamics
The Bulls will see a different lineup this season, with key players from Ball's initial tenure in Chicago no longer on the team. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, both pivotal during Ball's first season with the Bulls, have moved on. Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, a deal that underscores the team's strategic adjustments.
Reflecting on the roster changes, Ball commented, "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."
The Path Forward
Even with Ball’s return, the Bulls will tread carefully. He is expected to be under a minutes restriction and is likely to avoid participation in back-to-back games to manage his knee's load effectively. This cautious yet hopeful approach aims to ensure Ball's long-term health and sustained contribution on the court.
Meanwhile, guard 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 this season. These players will be pivotal as Ball reintegrates himself into the team's dynamics and as the Bulls navigate the evolving team structure.
Season Expectations
Ball remains optimistic about his future with the Bulls and the upcoming season. "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 remarked.
As the Chicago Bulls prepare for the season opener, the focus will not only be on their on-court performance but also on how well Lonzo Ball adapts to his new role and recovers from his lengthy absence. The team's ability to integrate their new players and leverage the skills of returning stars will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming NBA season.