As the Chicago Bulls prepare for the upcoming NBA season, all eyes are on Lonzo Ball and his return from a series of debilitating injuries. During a recent media day, Ball voiced his optimism about being ready for the team's first regular-season game. The 25-year-old guard has not played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022, due to a torn meniscus in his knee and subsequent setbacks during rehabilitation.
Ball's road to recovery has been anything but smooth. After an initial surgery, he underwent arthroscopic debridement, only to face more complications. In March 2023, Ball took an unconventional route, opting for an experimental cartilage transplant. This series of medical interventions has understandably made both his team and fans anxious about his physical readiness.
Progress and Optimism
There is a glimmer of hope as Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players in late August. Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. "Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly," Karnisovas stated. "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."
Despite the positive indicators, the organization plans to manage Ball's return prudently. Ball is likely to be on a minutes restriction and may not participate in back-to-back games initially. This cautious approach underscores the importance of ensuring his long-term health over immediate performance gains.
A New Reality
The injuries have inevitably altered Ball's game. "Obviously I'm not going to be as athletic as I once was before," Ball admitted. "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's comment reflects a mature understanding of his current capabilities and a pragmatic approach to his evolving role on the team.
Team Dynamics
The Bulls roster has also seen notable changes since Ball last took the court. Veteran players DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, pivotal during Ball's first season with Chicago, are no longer on the team. The Bulls traded Caruso to Oklahoma City and acquired Josh Giddey as part of the deal. Ball is supportive of the changes, 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."
The team's depth may prove advantageous as other players have stepped up in Ball's absence. Coby White was a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu finished the previous season strong, finding himself in a crucial role heading into the new season. These developments offer the Bulls a mix of seasoned and emerging talents that could facilitate a more balanced team dynamic.
A Long-Awaited Return
For Ball, the return is not just a professional milestone but also a personal one. "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 said. His words convey both a readiness to contribute and a recognition of the youthful energy within the team.
The forthcoming season carries immense significance for Ball and the Chicago Bulls. As the team progresses through training camp and preseason, the focus will undoubtedly be on how quickly and effectively Ball can reintegrate. His ability to adapt his game post-injury and mesh with a slightly restructured roster will be pivotal in determining the Bulls' success this season.