Lonzo Ball made a triumphant return to the court after more than two years away from the NBA, checking in for the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This marked his first appearance since January 14, 2022, following three knee surgeries. The United Center crowd welcomed him back with a huge ovation, and he quickly made an impact by sinking a corner 3-pointer shortly after entering the game.
In his comeback game, Lonzo Ball scored 10 points, recorded one assist, and grabbed one rebound.
Lonzo Ball gets a nice ovation from the Bulls fans as he checks into an NBA game for the first time in over 2 years đź‘Ź
Welcome back, Zo!pic.twitter.com/yVJxsI4rXl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 17, 2024
He shot an impressive 4-of-6 from the field and played 15 minutes, just shy of the playing time restriction he had going into the game. His performance highlighted his readiness to contribute to the Bulls as he returns to action after a long absence.
Lonzo Ball suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee in January 2022, leading to arthroscopic surgery for repair. However, he experienced ongoing discomfort, resulting in a second surgery that fall.
The Chicago Bulls initially hoped he could return before the end of the 2022-23 season, but they ultimately decided to shut him down in February 2023.
Ball underwent a third surgery that March, which sidelined him for the entire following season, making his recent return all the more significant.
Over the past three years, Lonzo Ball has played in just 35 games due to his knee injuries and surgeries. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his ability to contribute to the Chicago Bulls’ success. Ball believes he can still make a positive impact on the team.
In his last full season with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020-21, he averaged a career-high 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a key player when healthy.
“It’s not the same body I started off with,” Ball said. “But I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That’s why I’m still trying to play.”
The Chicago Bulls are still determining how to utilize Lonzo Ball this season, particularly as he adjusts to playing again. Throughout the preseason, he has experienced some soreness in his knee, which he noted was expected.
This will be a factor that both he and the Bulls need to monitor closely as the season progresses, ensuring that he can manage his health while contributing effectively to the team.
“We have a good handle right now, but I think it’s going to change throughout the year,” he said. “Every day is going to be a different challenge we just have to overcome.”
While Lonzo Ball may not be the same player he was before his injuries, the fact that he is back on the court is a significant milestone in his career. This return marks a crucial first step for him, regardless of what the future holds.
After facing numerous setbacks, being able to play basketball again is an achievement in itself and a testament to his resilience and determination.
