Lonzo Ball didn’t play in an NBA game for 1,006 days due to knee injuries which required three surgeries and a cartilage transplant to move past. He made his return to the court in a 125-123 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, his first game since January 2022. The Chicago Bulls roster presented the game ball to Lonzo for his return with emotional words from Coby White and Zach LaVine.
Coby White: “Today was going to be a special day regardless of the outcome. ‘Zo is back, man. It’s a blessing to be a part of this journey. A lot of us have been here through it all, seeing the highs and lows. This was a hell of a night for him. Here is the game ball brother.”
Zach LaVine: “One more thing, just like Coby said. I respect you more than anything because of what you’ve been through. We love you and we care about you, I’m glad to see you back.”
The team gave Lonzo the game ball 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ejpyeXLiFR
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2024
Ball made a great impact in his first game back, putting up 10 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block in just 16 minutes of action. He shot 4-6 from the field while going 2-4 from three-point range.
Ball is starting the season with a 16-minute restriction to protect his knee, as revealed by him before he made his return tonight.
“I’m going to have to manage it all year. That’s just the reality of it. Hopefully (my playing time) gets up and up, but right now, I’m on a 16-minute restriction. So, no more than 16. Obviously, it could be less than that, but that’s the number right now.”
The last time Lonzo played a regular season game, the Bulls were on pace to win 50 games and have home court for the 2022 NBA Playoffs with a 27-13 record. In the 206 games that the Bulls have played since then, they have gone 98-108, not making the Playoffs after making it in as the sixth seed in 2022.
Lonzo Ball Reflected On His Long Return To The Court
Before the game against the Timberwolves tipped off, Ball spoke at length about the process behind his return to reporters. He was asked about how his nearly three-year-long recovery period felt, with Ball sharing an honest reflection of what he’s been through.
“Really long. But looking back on it, it went by a lot faster than I thought. Getting the first surgery and then coming back and having the second and third, and they’re telling me 18 more months of recovery. That sounds crazy in the moment, but now I’m here, and it’s all behind me now. So, I’m happy.”
He knows that his knee injuries won’t allow him to be the same player he used to be, but he’s committed to playing as freely as he can.
“It’s definitely going to be different. It’s not the same body I started off with, but I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That’s why I’m still trying to play. For me, it’s just going out there and doing what I can to help the team win.”
“I’m just going to go out there and play freely, man. I’m not thinking about it too much. I’m cleared to play, so I’m going to play.”
Ball was in the midst of a breakout season in 2021-22, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 42.3% from three, one of the key components behind the Bulls becoming contenders in that stretch.
He was getting shouts as one of the best two-way guards in the NBA due to his rapidly improving jumper, adept court vision, and All-Defense caliber clamps. He’ll enter the 2023-24 season under a new reality, but fans will be rooting for Lonzo to complete his comeback arc after not being forced into retirement at such a young age.
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