After a grueling journey of multiple knee surgeries and countless setbacks, Lonzo Ball finally made his return to the basketball court after 2.5 years, and the moment was nothing short of emotional for both him and Chicago Bulls fans. The anticipation had been building for so long that when Ball checked in for the Bulls’ preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the United Center erupted. It wasn’t just about seeing a player return from injury; it was about seeing Lonzo Ball, a player whose potential and impact had been sorely missed, back where he belongs.
His first few minutes back were a great reminder of what makes him special. It didn’t take long for Ball to show his ability to make a difference on the floor. Barely a few possessions after he came on, he found himself in the corner, received a pass, and calmly knocked down a 3-pointer as if he’d never been away. It was a small moment in the grand scheme of things, but for Ball, it signaled something much bigger. He’s back.
Even though Ball only played 15 minutes, one less than the minutes restriction the Bulls had placed on him, his contribution was evident. He finished the night with 10 points, one assist, and one rebound, shooting a highly efficient 4-of-6 from the field. It was a controlled and measured performance, but given the circumstances, it was exactly what both he and the team needed.
The fact that Lonzo Ball was even back on an NBA court is a testament to his resilience. His injury saga began back in January 2022, when he went down with a meniscus injury in his left knee. Initially, the hope was that it was a routine issue, something that surgery could fix, and that Ball would be back relatively quickly. However, things didn’t go as planned. After the first surgery, Ball began experiencing discomfort in his knee, and it became clear that something wasn’t right. He ended up undergoing a second surgery that fall, which extended his time away from the game.
At that point, both Ball and the Bulls were still optimistic that he could make a return before the 2022-23 season ended. But as time went on and his recovery continued to stall, it became increasingly clear that his return wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. The Bulls made the tough decision to shut him down for the rest of the season in February 2023, and a month later, Ball had to undergo a third surgery—this time to address more serious issues that had kept him from progressing in his rehab.
For Lonzo Ball, the mental and emotional toll of being out for so long must have been immense. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like for a player of his caliber to sit on the sidelines for over two years, knowing that he’s capable of contributing but being physically unable to do so. And yet, through it all, Ball remained optimistic and determined. He kept working, kept rehabbing, and now, after all those setbacks, he’s finally back.
Looking at his history, it’s clear why the Bulls have been so patient with Ball. When healthy, he’s an incredibly unique player. His combination of size, court vision, defensive instincts, and ability to shoot the three makes him an ideal point guard in today’s NBA. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball to make an impact, and his unselfishness fits perfectly with the Bulls’ roster. In his last full season, back in 2020-21 with the New Orleans Pelicans, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, while shooting a career-high from beyond the arc. That’s the kind of player the Bulls were hoping they’d get when they signed him, and while it’s unclear if Ball will ever return to that level after such a long absence, there’s reason to believe he can still be a difference-maker.
The Bulls’ coaching staff will undoubtedly take a cautious approach with Ball’s minutes, especially early in the season. There’s no need to rush him back into heavy playing time, particularly given the fact that he’s still dealing with some soreness in his knee, which he expected. This will be something both Ball and the Bulls will have to monitor throughout the season, but even with those limitations, his return is a huge boost for the team.
For Lonzo Ball, this return is more than just stepping back onto the court; it’s about proving that he can still play at a high level. His game has never been predicated on athleticism alone, which should help him in this comeback. While his defensive abilities may be tested as he works his way back into game shape, his basketball IQ, passing, and ability to space the floor with his shooting should still be there. The biggest question is how his body will hold up over the course of the season. After all, three surgeries on the same knee is a lot for any player, let alone one who’s asked to run the offense and play a pivotal defensive role.
From a team perspective, Ball’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Bulls have been searching for consistency at the point guard position, and while Coby White has shown flashes, Ball offers a different kind of impact. Where White is more of a scorer and shot creator, Ball thrives as a playmaker and defender. Having both of them in the rotation gives the Bulls a lot of flexibility in the backcourt. White can focus on what he does best—getting buckets—while Ball can orchestrate the offense and set the tone defensively.
In fact, one of the most exciting prospects for the Bulls this season is seeing how Lonzo Ball and Coby White can complement each other. The two guards have very different skill sets, and that’s a good thing. White’s ability to score in bunches, whether from deep or by attacking the basket, is something the Bulls will need. But where White sometimes struggles as a primary playmaker, Ball thrives. His court vision and ability to find open teammates will help take pressure off White, allowing him to focus on scoring rather than having to run the offense.
Defensively, the contrast between the two is even more apparent. While White has improved on that end of the floor, Ball is an elite defender when healthy. His size and length allow him to guard multiple positions, and he has a knack for getting deflections and steals. Having Ball back in the lineup should help stabilize the Bulls’ perimeter defense, something that has been lacking during his absence. White, on the other hand, will likely be tasked with guarding smaller, quicker guards, allowing Ball to take on bigger assignments.
There’s also the potential for some interesting lineups with both White and Ball on the floor at the same time. White’s ability to play off the ball as a catch-and-shoot threat works perfectly alongside Ball’s playmaking. The Bulls can run sets where White comes off screens to get open looks, while Ball operates as the primary ball-handler, finding cutters and shooters. And in transition, the two of them could be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Ball’s outlet passes and ability to push the pace, combined with White’s speed and scoring, make for a deadly fast-break duo.
Of course, it’s important to temper expectations. Lonzo Ball has been out of action for a long time, and it’s going to take time for him to get back to where he was. There will likely be some rust, and there’s always the chance that his knee could flare up again. But even if he’s not the same player he was before the injury, his basketball IQ and versatility should allow him to contribute in meaningful ways. The Bulls don’t need him to be a superstar; they just need him to be healthy and play his role.
The dynamic between Lonzo Ball and Coby White could be one of the most intriguing storylines for the Bulls this season. White has shown growth and maturity as a player, and with Ball back in the fold, he has a chance to take another step forward. The two of them complement each other in ways that should help the Bulls be more balanced on both ends of the floor. And with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine still leading the way, having a healthy Ball running the offense could elevate this team to new heights.
In many ways, Ball’s return symbolizes more than just a personal triumph; it represents hope for the Bulls’ future. The team has been building toward something special, and Ball is a key piece of that puzzle. His ability to impact the game without needing to dominate the ball fits perfectly with what the Bulls are trying to do. And if he can stay healthy, even in a limited capacity, the Bulls will be a much more dangerous team.
The road ahead is still long for Lonzo Ball. There will be ups and downs, good games and bad ones. But after everything he’s been through, just being back on the court is a victory in itself. And while it’s impossible to predict how his knee will hold up over the course of the season, one thing is clear: Lonzo Ball isn’t done yet. He still has plenty to offer, and if he can stay on the court, the Bulls might just find themselves back in the mix in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s the thing folks: Having Lonzo back should only help Coby White. White has the potential to be a dynamic scorer for the Bulls, and with Ball running the show, he’ll get more opportunities to focus on what he does best. The two of them could form one of the most interesting backcourt duos in the league—one that complements each other’s strengths and covers each other’s weaknesses. For Bulls fans, there’s plenty to be excited about.
With that… Lonzo Ball’s return is about more than just one player getting back on the floor. It’s about a team, a fanbase, and a city that has been waiting for this moment. And now that it’s finally here, the possibilities are endless.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.