After nearly three years off the court due to multiple knee surgeries, Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball made his long-awaited return in the Bulls’ 125-123 pre-season win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ball, who last played on January 14, 2022, showed flashes of his former self, scoring 10 points in 15 minutes. His stat line also included an assist, a steal, and a block, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.
“It felt a lot better playing than watching, I’ll say that much,” Ball reflected after the game. He acknowledged that putting his emotions into words was difficult, but his return clearly brought him joy. The 26-year-old had undergone extensive surgery on his left knee, including a cartilage and meniscus transplant in March 2023, following two previous operations in just over a year. A bone allograft—a procedure where bone from another person was used to repair his knee—added further complexity to his recovery.
Ball’s knee issues trace back to 2018 when he initially tore his meniscus while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the severity of his injuries, Ball reported feeling great and noted that his knee was causing him no issues.
The Bulls will ease him back into action, limiting his minutes and not allowing him to play on back-to-back nights. With the regular season fast approaching, Ball is expected to play in the Bulls’ final preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, and possibly in their season opener against his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, next Wednesday.
While Ball’s return is a major victory, both for him and the team, it raises questions about the Bulls’ future plans. There’s no doubt Ball has talent, but his ability to stay healthy and increase his minutes will be key. Coach Billy Donovan and the Bulls’ management are evaluating how Ball’s recovery will fit into their season strategy.
Following Wednesday night’s game, Ball’s teammates showered him with love and appreciation. Coby White handed him the game ball, saying, “Zo’s back, man. It’s a blessing to be part of his journey.” Zach LaVine then presented him with a signed No. 2 jersey, acknowledging the struggles Ball had overcome.
The emotional celebration comes after a grueling recovery process for Ball. Given the unprecedented nature of his surgery, it’s remarkable that he’s returned to the court. No professional athlete has ever successfully come back from such a procedure, making Ball’s journey all the more extraordinary.
Looking ahead, the Bulls’ front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, has important decisions to make. Despite Ball’s strong showing, his minutes will remain limited in the short term. The Bulls are crowded at the guard position, with White, LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, and others in the rotation. As the season progresses, Ball’s expiring contract may become a valuable asset for a team eyeing a playoff run.
If Ball can maintain his health and continue to increase his minutes, he could prove to be a pivotal trade piece. With LaVine and Nikola Vucevic already high on the Bulls’ priority list for potential moves, Ball’s situation adds another layer of complexity.
For now, the focus is on Ball’s health, and his ability to perform consistently. While his return is a reason for celebration, the Bulls’ long-term strategy will hinge on how he progresses.