Lonzo Ball's awaited return to the NBA has been a topic of immense interest and speculation. Ball hasn't been seen on the hardwood since January 14, 2022, after suffering a torn meniscus. This injury inevitably led him to sit out for the remainder of the 2021-22 season, depriving the Chicago Bulls of their orchestrator on offense.
In an effort to combat lingering knee issues, Ball underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure to clear debris from his knee. Yet, his most significant step toward recovery came in March 2023, when he decided to undergo an experimental cartilage transplant. Since then, Ball has not experienced any setbacks, indicating a positive trajectory in his rehabilitation process.
Ball Cleared for 5-on-5 Contact Play
Earlier this August, an important milestone was achieved as the Bulls' medical team cleared Ball for 5-on-5 contact play. He wasted no time getting back into the rhythm, participating in a scrimmage featuring NBA talents like Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Deandre Jordan. This marked a significant step toward Ball's long-anticipated return to regular season action.
Anonymous league observers have noted, "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." Indeed, during the period Ball was active in the 2021-22 season, the Bulls boasted an impressive 22-13 record. His absence proved to be a considerable void that the team struggled to fill, as evidenced by a change in their dynamics and diminishing performance.
Team Roster Changes and Financial Commitments
In the time Ball has been recuperating, the Bulls have experienced significant roster changes. DeMar DeRozan moved to the Sacramento Kings via free agency, while Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Meanwhile, the Bulls have committed a combined $67.5 million for Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic for the upcoming season.
Josh Giddey's acquisition brings a new dynamic to the team. Giddey, who will be facing unrestricted free agency next summer, has significant potential to impact the team's performance positively. How well he gels with the remaining core and any returning players like Ball remains to be seen.
The Financial Aspect of Ball’s Return
Ball is currently in the final year of his four-year, $80 million contract that he inked in the summer of 2021. So far, he has only been able to participate in 35 games over the first three years of this deal. This summer, Ball opted in to pick up his $21.3 million player option, further intensifying the focus on his recovery and potential impact on the team's fortunes this season.
Observers remain cautiously optimistic about his return. "He was the ideal point guard for that Bulls team, and once he went out with the torn meniscus, Chicago wasn't the same," one source noted. Though there is no guarantee that Ball will seamlessly return to his previous form, the hope remains that he can offer valuable minutes if he fully recovers. "That doesn't mean Ball won't get valuable minutes if he can fully recover," added another observer.
The table is set for one of the more intriguing narratives of the upcoming NBA season. Will Lonzo Ball return to the court and resume his role as the Bulls' floor general? His health and performance in the scrimmages are encouraging signs, but how well he reintegrates into a team that has evolved in his absence will be the ultimate test.