After undergoing three knee surgeries and spending over two years away from the NBA, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball made his long-awaited return to the court. On Wednesday night, during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ball checked in for his first game since January 14, 2022, and received a warm ovation from the fans at the United Center. He quickly made an impact by hitting a corner three-pointer shortly after entering the game.
Ball concluded the game with 10 points, one assist, and one rebound, shooting 4-of-6 from the floor while playing just 15 minutes, slightly under the playing limit set for him.
Following his performance, the Bulls honored Ball with the game ball, marking the significance of his return. In a post-game interview, Ball reflected on his recovery process, describing it as “long” but expressing gratitude that it ended up feeling quicker than anticipated. He noted the intensity of his rehabilitation after suffering a meniscus injury in January 2022, which initially led to an arthroscopic surgery. However, discomfort persisted, requiring additional surgeries, and he was ultimately sidelined for the entire previous season.
In total, Ball has played just 35 games in the last three years. Despite facing multiple setbacks and the temptation to step away from the sport, he remains confident in his ability to contribute to the Bulls’ success. Ball recalls his last full season with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020-21, where he averaged a career-high 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game.
While Ball recognizes changes in his physical condition, he believes he can still be effective on the court. The Bulls are expected to take a cautious approach to his playtime as he adjusts to returning to competitive basketball. He anticipates that managing soreness in his knee will be an ongoing part of the season, but he’s prepared to face the challenges that come with it.
Despite not being the player he once was, Lonzo Ball’s return to basketball is a significant milestone. This season marks a new chapter for him as he aims to make his mark once again.