Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has expressed confidence in his readiness for the team's opening regular-season game after a tumultuous journey with significant knee injuries. The talented guard last saw NBA action on January 14, 2022, a lengthy absence brought about by a torn meniscus followed by several setbacks in his rehabilitation process.
The road to recovery has been challenging for Ball, who has undergone three knee surgeries to date. His second operation was an arthroscopic debridement procedure, but it was the third surgery in March 2023—a more experimental cartilage transplant—that brought new hope. This summer marked a significant milestone as Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players. Although there is cautious optimism about his return, Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas emphasized a gradual approach, aiming to monitor Ball’s progress closely during training camp.
"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 experience during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices," said Karnisovas.
Despite the cautious approach, Ball himself remains upbeat about his return. Acknowledging the physical changes that come with such intense rehabilitation, he shared his thoughts on adapting his game:
"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 noted.
The Bulls' roster has also seen significant shifts since Ball's injury. DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, key teammates during Ball’s initial season with Chicago, are no longer on the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City in a deal that brought young talent Josh Giddey to Chicago.
Reflecting on the changes and the Bulls' commitment to winning, Ball shared his support for the team's direction:
"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."
Ball's anticipated return will be closely managed, with expectations of a minutes restriction and likely avoidance of participation in back-to-back games. This caution is critical as the Bulls strive to integrate Ball back into competitive action smoothly.
Meanwhile, other players have emerged to take on important roles in Ball's absence. Coby White turned heads as a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu ended the previous season on a strong note, stepping into a crucial role within the team.
As Ball looks forward to rejoining his teammates, he expressed both a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm:
"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."
The Bulls are hopeful that Ball’s skill and basketball IQ will significantly contribute to their success this season, with careful management of his physical readiness. With the team keen on optimizing every player's potential, the upcoming season promises to be one of adaptation and determination for both Ball and the Bulls.