After more than two years away from the NBA, Chicago Bulls' point guard Lonzo Ball is back on the court, but he's fully aware that he's not the same player who last competed in January 2022.
Despite the challenges, Ball expressed his excitement about playing again and his commitment to contributing to the Chicago Bulls.
Lonzo Ball Acknowledges His New Normal
Ball, 27, made his return with a 15-minute stint against the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting. Reflecting on his performance, he admitted his body has changed significantly since undergoing multiple surgeries, including a rare double cartilage transplant in 2023, according to ESPN.
"It's not the same body I started off with," Ball explained. "But I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That's why I'm still trying to play."
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Road to Recovery: Three Surgeries and Relentless Determination
Since his last game in January 2022, Ball has endured three arthroscopic procedures on his left knee. His return was far from guaranteed, but his belief in himself kept him going. Ball sought opinions from numerous knee specialists and was determined to find a path back to the NBA.
"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," he said.
By August 2023, Ball was cleared for 5-on-5 scrimmages and joined his team for preseason workouts. Although he had some setbacks, including testing positive for COVID, his focus remained on getting game-ready.
Managing Expectations and Lonzo's New Role
As Ball works his way back to full strength, he acknowledges that his playing time will be closely managed by both himself and the Bulls. With occasional soreness and the long recovery process behind him, Ball is prepared to face new challenges, CBS Sports reports.
"Every day is going to be a different challenge we just have to overcome," he said, noting that his workload will likely fluctuate throughout the season.
While Ball may not be exactly the same player, his return brings renewed hope to the Bulls, who saw him average 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in his first season with the team. Now, he's ready to prove he still has plenty left to offer.
"It felt a lot better playing than watching, I'll tell you that much. I can't really put into words how I felt out there, I was just blessed, happy to be out there, man. All the support around me was great, all night. It was definitely a moment I'll never forget," Ball told reporters in his postgame press conference. "
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