Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has shown remarkable resilience in his journey back to the court. Ball's perseverance was highlighted at the recent media day, where he confidently expressed his readiness for the team's first regular-season game. This is a significant milestone for Ball, who last took to an NBA court on January 14, 2022.
A Long Road to Recovery
Ball's prolonged absence was due to a devastating torn meniscus in his knee. What followed was a series of setbacks during his rehabilitation process. The journey has been anything but straightforward, with Ball undergoing a second knee surgery, specifically an arthroscopic debridement procedure. Then, in a bid to return to peak form, Ball had a third and experimental surgery in March 2023—a cartilage transplant.
The path to recovery hasn't been easy, but Ball has made significant strides. By late August, he had started participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players, a crucial step in his return to competitive action. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas is cautiously optimistic about 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 experiences during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices."
Adapting to New Realities
While Ball is optimistic about his return, he acknowledges the changes in his athleticism due to the surgeries. "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 shared candidly.
In addition to limited minutes and likely avoiding back-to-back games, there have been significant changes within the Bulls roster. Key players like DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were pivotal during Ball's first season with the team, are no longer with Chicago. Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Reflecting on the trade, 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."
A New Chapter
The Bulls’ lineup is evolving, with fresh faces ready to take on critical roles. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player a year ago, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished the previous season strong, are expected to play pivotal roles. Dosunmu, in particular, finds himself in a crucial position as the team adapts to the new dynamics without DeRozan and Caruso.
Ball remains optimistic about the future and his ability to integrate with the revamped team. "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 stated. His enthusiasm and leadership will undoubtedly be vital as the Bulls strive to find their rhythm in the upcoming season.
As the Chicago Bulls prepare for their next chapter, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball. His ability to adapt and lead on the court could be a key factor in the team's success this season. With a young and dynamic roster, the Bulls are poised to navigate the challenges ahead, and Ball's return could provide the spark they need to excel.