Lonzo Ball is back on the court after a prolonged absence. The former No. 2 overall pick suited up for the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night for the first game of the 2024-2025 season. For Ball, it was his first appearance in an NBA game since January 14, 2022.
Ball has battled through multiple knee injuries throughout his career, but a cartilage transplant in his left knee in March 2023 paved the way for him to return to the court. Earlier this month, Ball spoke to reporters ahead of his first appearance in the preseason:
“It’s not the same body I started off with,” Ball said. “But I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That’s why I’m still trying to play.”
“I think it’s the belief in myself — knowing what I was feeling, knowing that I was a good age to come back from it,” Ball said. “I’m just trusting in the doctors and people around me.”
The Bulls have stated that Ball will be held to 14-16 minutes per game for the foreseeable future. In Wednesday’s 123-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball recorded 5 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds in 14 minutes. Following Ball’s emotional return in the preseason, he was not surprised by much on opening night.
“It felt pretty similar to the preseason games, to be honest,” Ball said. “Same shots were there. Same minutes was there. Just about capitalizing on the time I’m out there. I always want to be out there. But I’ve got to listen to the staff, my team and try to go with the best path forward.”
Before the game, coach Billy Donovan spoke about the team’s plan for using Ball off the bench moving forward.
“For him, he’s been able to wrap his head around the fact that this is my new norm,” Donovan said before the game. “This is my reality.”
Prior to his series of knee injuries that led to his two-year absence, Ball was enjoying the best season of his career. In 2021-22, Ball averaged 13-5-5 and had helped lead Chicago to the top of the Eastern Conference with a 27-13 record through January 14.
