NBA fans have been eagerly anticipating the return of Lonzo Ball to the court since his last appearance on January 14, 2022. The Chicago Bulls' point guard was sidelined by a torn meniscus early in the year, an injury that took him out for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. What followed was an extensive rehabilitation process marked by an arthroscopic debridement procedure to clear knee debris and an experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023.
Against all odds, Ball hasn't encountered additional setbacks post-surgery. His perseverance and dedication have culminated in a significant milestone: earlier in August, the Bulls cleared him for 5-on-5 contact play, a crucial step in his journey back to the game he loves. This newfound progress even saw Ball participating in a scrimmage with NBA peers, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan.
The Orchestrator
During his time on the court in the 2021-22 season, Ball’s performance was instrumental in driving Chicago’s success. "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," said one observer. The Bulls posted a formidable 22-13 record on nights when Ball was active, underlining his importance to the team's dynamic.
His presence, or the lack thereof, was keenly felt. "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same," the observer continued. Indeed, Ball's absence has been a void the Bulls have struggled to fill, evident in their inconsistent performances and lack of a steadying force on the floor.
Team Dynamics and Roster Changes
Much has changed for the Bulls since Ball’s injury. Notably, DeMar DeRozan, a key player in the lineup, departed to the Sacramento Kings in free agency. Additionally, defensive stalwart Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for promising young talent Josh Giddey. These moves have reshaped the team, and their effectiveness remains to be seen in practice. Particularly, Giddey’s future with unrestricted free agency next summer will be a focal point for Chicago’s management.
Meanwhile, the financial dynamics at play are intriguing. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic are set to receive a combined $67.5 million following the next season, adding pressure on the front office to ensure the team’s roster can still support a competitive edge. Ball himself is in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract signed in the summer of 2021. Despite having played just 35 games throughout the initial three years of this deal, Ball exercised his $21.3 million player option this summer, signaling his commitment to make an impact.
Hope and Expectations
The big question looming over the Chicago Bulls is what version of Lonzo Ball will resume play. The ideal scenario would see Ball reclaiming his role as the orchestrator, blending seamlessly back into the system and providing the leadership that was so evidently missed. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," one analyst suggests, pointing to the potential positive impact on the team if Ball returns to form.
As Lonzo Ball inches closer to making his comeback, the anticipation among Bulls fans and the front office is palpable. His rehabilitation journey has been long and arduous, yet there's a palpable sense of optimism surrounding his return. If Ball can overcome the final hurdles and return to his former self, the Chicago Bulls might just witness a revival anchored by a player who knows how to orchestrate success on both ends of the floor. The coming months will be critical, but for now, the sight of Ball back in scrimmage is a beacon of hope for a franchise that has sorely missed its catalyst.