Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has signaled his intention to be ready for the team's first regular-season game, a bold assertion given his lengthy absence from the court. Ball last played in an NBA game on January 14, 2022, sidelined by a torn meniscus that led to multiple setbacks in his rehabilitation process. After undergoing a second knee surgery and a more experimental third surgery—a cartilage transplant in March 2023—Ball's journey back has been fraught with challenges.
Road to Recovery
Ball's most recent update on his condition came at the team's media day, where he shared a cautiously optimistic outlook. "Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly," Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas stated. "He's already played 5-on-5, but we haven't seen him go through training camp. There's going to be a lot of learning experiences during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices."
Indeed, Ball's return to the court has seen him begin participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players since late August. This is a significant milestone in his recovery process, demonstrating that he has made considerable gains since his surgeries. However, being ready for opening night will likely include carefully managed minutes and sitting out back-to-back games initially.
Team Dynamics
The Bulls' roster has also seen significant changes since Ball last played. A pivotal player duo, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, are no longer with the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City, bringing in Josh Giddey as part of the deal. The addition of Giddey suggests a strategic reconfiguration of roles and expectations.
"I think they're trying to do what's best for the team," Ball acknowledged. "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 possible, and they feel like he can do it, we feel like he can do it and that's why he's here."
The transformation doesn't stop there. Coby White, a standout as a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu, who ended the previous season on a high note, are expected to play key roles. Dosunmu, in particular, finds himself in a crucial position as the team navigates its new dynamics.
Personal Adjustments
As Ball prepares for his return, he is also acutely aware of how his game might need to evolve. "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 explained. "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."
Despite these adjustments, Ball's confidence remains unshaken. "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. This sense of optimism is shared by the Bulls organization, though it is tempered by a realistic approach to his rehabilitation and reintegration.
Looking Forward
Karnisovas summed up the overall sentiment well: caution mixed with hope. Ball's upcoming participation in training camp will ultimately dictate how quickly he can return to full activity and what his role will entail. The rebuilding of both his physical condition and the Bulls' team dynamics will require patience and careful planning.
The road ahead for Lonzo Ball and the Chicago Bulls is certainly filled with uncertainties, but both player and team are prepared to take it one step at a time. With a young, talented roster and Ball's veteran insight and adaptability, there is cautious optimism that the pieces will come together for a successful season.