The anticipation is building for the Chicago Bulls as guard Lonzo Ball shared his optimism about being ready for the team's first regular-season game during the recent media day. Ball, who last took to the court on January 14, 2022, has faced a long and challenging road to recovery due to a torn meniscus in his knee and a series of setbacks in rehabilitation.
Ball's journey back to form has been anything but smooth. After his initial injury, he underwent a second knee surgery involving arthroscopic debridement. Not stopping there, Ball opted for a third and experimental surgery in March 2023 - a cartilage transplant. This rigorous regimen highlights his determination to return to peak performance levels.
Progress has been visible as late August saw Ball participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages alongside other NBA players. Nonetheless, Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas remains cautiously optimistic about Ball's readiness by opening night. Karnisovas remarked, "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."
With his past surgeries and recent progress, Ball himself acknowledged that age and injury have inevitably altered his playstyle. "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," he stated.
His new role on the team will see Ball on a minutes restriction, and he will likely not participate in back-to-back games. This methodical approach aims to ensure that his return to regular play is both sustainable and effective. However, Ball's return isn't the only change the Bulls have seen recently.
The roster has undergone significant shifts – notably, DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, pivotal figures during Ball's initial season with Chicago, are no longer with the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City as part of a deal that brought Josh Giddey to Chicago. Ball, showing his team-oriented mindset, expressed his trust in 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."
Additionally, Coby White, a finalist for Most Improved Player last year, and Ayo Dosunmu, who made significant strides during the previous season, are also stepping up. Dosunmu, in particular, is now poised to take on a crucial role within the team.
Lonzo Ball remains positive about his ability to integrate with the current roster. "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 shared.
The integration of new talents and the return of seasoned players like Ball aim to boost the Chicago Bulls for the upcoming season. Basketball fans and analysts alike will keep a keen eye on Ball's performance and the team's cohesion as the regular season approaches. The next few weeks in training camp will be critical to determining how the pieces come together for a potentially dynamic lineup.