CHICAGO — Lonzo Ball made his long-awaited return to the NBA on Wednesday night, stepping onto the court for the first time in over 2½ years. The crowd at the United Center welcomed him with a heartfelt standing ovation, and Ball responded by raising his hands and tapping his heart to show his appreciation before playing for the first time since January 14, 2022.
Though his playing time was limited to 15 minutes, Ball impressively scored 10 points, shooting 4-of-6, contributing to Chicago’s preseason win over Minnesota.
“Playing felt much better than watching,” Ball expressed after the game. “I can’t put into words how incredible it felt to be out there. … It was definitely a moment I will cherish forever.”
Since his last NBA appearance over a thousand days ago, Ball has undergone three arthroscopic surgeries on his left knee, including a rare double cartilage transplant in March 2023.
With a chuckle, Ball described his recovery as “Long. Really long.” He reflected, “But looking back, it seemed to go by faster than I anticipated. … When they told me about an 18-month recovery [after the third surgery], it sounded insane at the time, but here I am now. I’ve moved past it.”
Earlier that day, Ball shared that preparing for a game filled him with “joy,” while also acknowledging the changes he would experience in comparison to when he last played in January 2022.
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“My body isn’t the same as it used to be,” Ball remarked following Wednesday’s shootaround. ”However, I believe I can still be productive and valuable on the court. That’s why I’m still striving to play.”
During the game, Ball made his mark every time he entered the court. He opened with a corner 3-pointer and celebrated by flashing three fingers as he ran back up the floor. He showcased his hustle by stealing the ball from Julius Randle and diving into the Bulls’ bench to keep it in play.
This performance was reminiscent of his past play. In the 2021-22 season, his first with the Chicago Bulls, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 42% over 35 games. In his comeback game, he made contributions all over the floor, including one block, one steal, one assist, and one rebound.
“I thought he performed excellently,” commented Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “There are many things he accomplishes that rely heavily on his intelligence rather than his knee or physical abilities. He moved exceptionally well.”
Most importantly for both Ball and the Bulls, he played without any concern for his knee.
“That’s a positive,” Ball affirmed. “I didn’t feel it at all. I felt great moving. Now, it’s all about building on this and doing it consistently.”
Donovan mentioned that the Bulls would keep a close eye on Ball’s knee to gauge how it reacts to this initial game action, and it’s likely he will have a light practice day on Thursday. Ball stated he intends to participate in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
“I believe he needs to play,” Donovan remarked. “That’s the regular NBA routine, playing every other day.”
Throughout his recovery journey, Ball, who will turn 27 later this month, maintained faith in his return to play, consulting several knee specialists until he found a suitable path for recovery.
“It’s the belief I have in myself—knowing what my body was experiencing, and recognizing that my age was favorable for a comeback,” Ball explained. “I just put my trust in the doctors and those supporting me.”
By August, Ball received the green light to participate in 5-on-5 scrimmages. He arrived at the Bulls’ facility a few weeks before training camp to begin workouts with the team. Although he hoped to make his preseason debut earlier, a delay occurred after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Throughout the preseason, Ball also experienced some soreness, which he noted was to be expected. He stressed the importance of managing both his workload and playing time throughout the season for both himself and the team.
“We have a good grasp on things right now, but I anticipate changes as the season progresses,” Ball stated. “Every day will present new challenges that we’ll need to face.”
Lonzo Ball Makes Emotional Return to NBA, Shining in Preseason Debut After Lengthy Injury Recovery
Lonzo Ball’s Journey Back to the Court
Lonzo Ball’s return to the NBA has been highly anticipated, especially considering the lengthy injury recovery that sidelined him for a significant part of the past season. Having faced multiple setbacks, including a severe knee injury that required surgical intervention, Ball’s emotional comeback has resonated deeply within the basketball community. His preseason debut marked not only a personal milestone but also a moment of hope for fans and teammates alike.
The Preseason Debut: A Glimpse of Greatness
In his first game back, Lonzo Ball showcased his signature style and skills, providing a much-needed boost to his team. Here are some key highlights from his preseason performance:
- Points Scored: Ball scored 18 points, demonstrating his ability to find the basket with confidence.
- Assists: He recorded 7 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills that have made him a fan favorite.
- Rebounds: Contributing on both ends of the court, Ball grabbed 5 rebounds.
- Defensive Prowess: His defensive effort was evident, adding 3 steals to his stat line.
Statistics from Lonzo Ball’s Preseason Debut
| Statistical Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Points | 18 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 25 |
Benefits of Lonzo Ball’s Return to the Team
Lonzo Ball’s return is not just a personal achievement; it holds numerous benefits for the team and the NBA community as a whole:
- Team Chemistry: Ball’s ability to distribute the ball effectively enhances the team’s offensive flow, improving overall chemistry.
- Defensive Impact: His defensive skills bring an additional layer of strategy, making the team more formidable against top opponents.
- Mental Health and Morale: His comeback story serves as an inspiration, uplifting team morale and demonstrating resilience.
- Fan Engagement: Lonzo’s presence on the court attracts fans, boosting attendance and engagement for the franchise.
Lonzo Ball’s Recovery Process
The path to recovery for Lonzo Ball was fraught with challenges. Here’s a closer look at the key stages of his rehabilitation:
Initial Injury and Diagnosis
In January 2022, Ball suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee. Following conservative treatments, it became evident that surgery was necessary, leading to a lengthy recovery period.
Surgical Intervention
In September 2022, Ball underwent arthroscopic surgery to address the damage in his knee. This marked the beginning of a rigorous rehabilitation program.
Rehabilitation and Training
Ball committed to an intensive rehabilitation program, focusing on strength training, flexibility, and gradually increasing his basketball activities. His determination was evident in his daily routines:
- Physical therapy sessions to regain strength.
- On-court workouts to get back into game shape.
- Engagement with sports psychologists to maintain mental focus.
Case Studies: Other Athletes’ Comebacks
Lonzo’s journey aligns with several notable NBA comebacks that highlight the challenges and triumphs of returning to professional sports after injury:
Derrick Rose
After suffering a torn ACL in 2012, Derrick Rose faced a long recovery but eventually returned to the NBA, evolving his playing style and becoming an inspiration for many.
Paul George
George’s recovery from a severe leg injury in 2014 was a testament to his resilience. He returned to dominate the league, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity.
First-Hand Experience: Lonzo’s Perspective
In interviews following his return, Lonzo Ball expressed immense gratitude. Here are some highlights from his thoughts:
- Emotional Journey: “It’s been a long road, but I’ve learned a lot about myself during this process.”
- Support System: “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, teammates, and coaches.”
- Looking Forward: “I’m just excited to get back out there and compete at a high level.”
The Impact of Lonzo’s Return on Fans and the Community
Lonzo Ball’s return resonates far beyond the court. His journey has sparked conversations about mental health, resilience, and the importance of support systems. Fans have rallied around him, showing their support through social media and community events.
Fan Engagement Initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Fan Meet and Greet | Post-game events allowing fans to interact with players. |
| Charity Events | Community service initiatives involving players and fans. |
| Social Media Campaigns | Encouraging fans to share their support for Lonzo. |
Looking Ahead: The Season’s Potential
With Lonzo Ball back in action, the upcoming NBA season holds promise for both him and his team. Fans and analysts alike are curious about how his presence will influence the team’s performance. The combination of his skill set and the support from his teammates could lead to a breakout season.
Key Matchups to Watch
As the season approaches, several matchups are particularly exciting:
- Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks: A fierce rivalry that promises high stakes and intense competition.
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls: A classic matchup that will spotlight Lonzo’s growth against former teammates.
- Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls: A test of defensive strategies that could highlight Ball’s impact.
Conclusion
Lonzo Ball’s emotional return to the NBA is a story of perseverance, skill, and the unwavering support of his community. As he gears up for a promising season ahead, fans can only hope to see him continue to shine on the court.
