Lonzo Ball appears confident as he looks to make his return to the NBA. The Chicago Bulls guard, who last played on January 14, 2022, due to a series of knee injuries, spoke at the recent media day about his readiness for the upcoming regular season. Ball's absence included extensive rehabilitation from a torn meniscus, and setbacks that led to multiple surgeries - most recently a third and experimental cartilage transplant in March 2023.
Bulls President Arturas Karnisovas has noted the importance of taking a cautious approach with Ball as he continues to recover. "Going into training camp, we're going to have to bring [Lonzo] up slowly. He's already played 5-on-5, but we haven't seen him go through training camp so there's going to be a lot of learning experience during training camp and how he can take loads, everyday practices," Karnisovas stated, highlighting the gradual integration process for Ball.
In a significant step forward, Ball began participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages with other NBA players in late August. Despite the optimism, Ball himself acknowledges that his game may have to adapt, especially with the anticipated minutes restriction and the likelihood of sitting out back-to-back games. "Obviously I'm not going to be as athletic as I once was before, but I feel like skill and IQ can go a long way, especially in the league. I'm not too worried about it, obviously my game's going to have to change a little bit, but I still know how to play the game and I think I can play at a high level," Ball commented.
Team Dynamics and New Roles
Since Ball's first season with the Bulls, the team's dynamics have shifted. Key players DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, who were pivotal during that time, are no longer on the team. Caruso was traded to Oklahoma City, and in return, the Bulls acquired Josh Giddey, a young and promising player who is expected to take on a significant role. Ball expressed his understanding of the team's strategy, stating, "I think they're trying to do what's best for the team. Obviously we had a lot of success when I was running point guard, getting rebounds, pushing it up, and Giddey is capable of doing the same thing. For me I look at it as like, they want to win the most games as possible, and they feel like he can do it, we feel like he can do it and that's why he's here."
Other players are also stepping up to fill the gaps. Coby White, who was a finalist for Most Improved Player last season, and Ayo Dosunmu, who finished last season strong, are now in crucial roles. This next man up mentality is essential as the Bulls navigate a new chapter with a younger team. Ball, in his return, is eager to integrate and contribute, despite feeling the age gap. "I feel like I can personally play with anybody. I feel a lot older coming back and seeing guys in here now, we have a young team. But I'm excited to get the year started," Ball conveyed, underlining his readiness to embrace his role and mentor younger teammates.
Optimism Mixed with Caution
The anticipation surrounding Ball’s return is met with cautious optimism. Bulls President Karnisovas emphasized the need to manage expectations and workloads carefully to avoid any setbacks. Ball’s participation in training camp will be a critical period to gauge his readiness and integrate him fully into team practices.
For fans and the team alike, Ball's return is a significant moment. If he can adjust his game and contribute effectively, the Bulls could find themselves in a strong position moving forward. The careful handling of his rehabilitation and integration into everyday drills and games is paramount, as his skills and experience remain valuable assets.
The forthcoming season holds potential for the Chicago Bulls, contingent on how well the revised roster meshes and how Lonzo Ball adapts to his new physical realities. The blend of new talent and seasoned players will shape the Bulls' performance, moving with hope and strategic caution into the new season.