Lonzo Ball is officially back.
After missing two and a half seasons due to a litany of knee problems, the Chicago Bulls guard returned to the court in Wednesday’s season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. It was his first game in 1,013 days.
He scored his first basket late in the first quarter, drilling a game-tying, catch-and-shoot 3-pointer.
Ball’s previous last game was on January 14, 2022. His injury was initially described by the Bulls as a bone bruise, before being revealed as a meniscus tear that required surgery. It only got worse from there, as Ball didn’t progress quickly enough to return that season. The injury progressed into the next season after he underwent a season-ending arthroscopic debridement procedure, and he underwent a cartilage and meniscus transplant in March 2023.
Basically, whatever is supposed to be separating Ball’s two largest bones in his left knee had to be replaced. It was no wonder he was unable to return for the 2023-24 season. Ball was finally cleared for five-on-five work this summer and was able to play in preseason.
As for what the Bulls can expect from Ball, it’s hard to say. He was a lingering point guard with strong defense and finally making progress with his 3-point shot at the time of his injury, but three knee surgeries and two years of inactivity leave very little certain. He could be as good as he was before his injuries. He could no longer be a solid rotator.
Whatever happens, though, Wednesday was an achievement in itself.
