Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball made his highly anticipated return to the court on Wednesday night, participating in his first NBA game in over two years during a preseason matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was his first appearance since January 14, 2022. The United Center crowd greeted his entry with an enthusiastic ovation, and he quickly made an impact by sinking a corner 3-pointer.
In the game, Ball scored 10 points, recorded one assist, and grabbed one rebound. He shot an impressive 4-of-6 from the field and played for 15 minutes, just under the restriction he had set for himself.
Following the game, the Bulls honored Ball with the game ball to commemorate his return to the sport.
Reflecting on his long recovery process, Ball described it as “really long,” but noted that, in hindsight, it seemed to progress faster than he had anticipated. He recalled being told he would need another 18 months to recover after his third surgery, a timeframe that felt daunting at the time. Now, he feels that the challenges are behind him.
Ball’s journey back to basketball started with a meniscus injury to his left knee in January 2022, which required an arthroscopic surgery. Unfortunately, he experienced further discomfort that led to another surgery in the fall. The Bulls initially hoped he could return for the 2022-23 season, but he was ultimately sidelined in February 2023 and underwent a third surgery in March, which kept him out for the entire last season. Over the past three years, Ball has played in only 35 games.
Despite the hurdles, Ball remains optimistic about his ability to contribute to the Bulls. Previously, he had a standout season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season, his last complete season.
“I think I can still be productive and effective on the court,” Ball stated. “That’s why I’m still trying to play.”
As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Bulls will incorporate Ball back into their lineup, particularly given the soreness he has experienced in his knee throughout the preseason. He acknowledged the expectation of dealing with such discomfort but emphasized the importance of monitoring his condition closely throughout the year.
“I think it’s going to change throughout the year,” he noted. “Every day is going to be a different challenge we just have to overcome.”
While Ball may not be the same player he was before, his return to basketball marks a significant milestone in his career.