Lonzo Ball's journey back to the NBA has been a tale of persistence and hope. The talented point guard, who last took to the court on January 14, 2022, has faced a challenging road filled with significant obstacles. In January 2022, Ball suffered a torn meniscus, an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season and cast doubts on his future in professional basketball.
Rehab and Recovery
Determined to return stronger, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure aimed at clearing debris from his knee. Despite the surgery, his path to recovery was far from straightforward. In March 2023, Ball explored new medical frontiers by undergoing an experimental cartilage transplant, a procedure that sparked both hope and skepticism within the basketball community. Remarkably, Ball hasn't experienced any setbacks post-surgery, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
Return to Action
Earlier this August, the Chicago Bulls made an encouraging announcement: Ball was cleared for 5-on-5 contact play. This was a critical step forward, signaling that Ball might finally be ready to return to full competition. The electrifying moment came when Ball participated in a scrimmage alongside NBA peers such as Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan. The anticipation of his return was palpable, as fans and teammates alike hoped to see the orchestrator on offense back in action.
"He was the orchestrator on offense, setting up teammates and knocking down 3s, while playing hard-nosed defense on the other end of the floor," an anonymous observer noted. This high praise reflects the integral role Ball played for the Bulls, who held a 22-13 record when he was active during the 2021-22 season. Another observer added, "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same."
Changes in Chicago
While Ball was fighting his way back to the court, the landscape of the Bulls roster underwent significant changes. DeMar DeRozan, a key player for Chicago, departed to the Sacramento Kings in free agency. In another major move, Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. The new faces in the locker room and the departure of familiar ones signal a period of transition for the Bulls.
Financially, the Bulls are making substantial investments in their remaining stars. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are set to earn a combined $67.5 million after the next season. Meanwhile, Giddey will be navigating unrestricted free agency next summer, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Bulls’ future roster.
Ball's Contract and Future
In the midst of all these changes, Ball's contract situation remains a focal point. He is in the final year of a four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. However, his time on the court has been limited, with Ball playing just 35 games through the first three years of this deal. This summer, Ball exercised his $21.3 million player option, a move that keeps him with the Bulls for at least another season.
"That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," remarked an observer, highlighting the cautious optimism surrounding Ball's potential impact upon his return. For now, the focus remains on his health and readiness to contribute to the team's efforts on the court.
The Bulls and their fans are waiting with bated breath to see Ball back in action, orchestrating the offense and providing the defensive tenacity he’s known for. His return could be the catalyst the team needs to reignite their competitive edge and make a meaningful push in the upcoming season.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Lonzo Ball, hopeful that his resilience and hard work will be rewarded with a successful and injury-free return to the NBA. Whether he can reclaim his pivotal role and lead the Bulls back to their winning ways remains to be seen, but the anticipation of his comeback adds a compelling narrative to Chicago’s season ahead.