Lonzo Ball final stepped on an NBA court docket greater than 1,000 days in the past. Since then, Ball has undergone three knee surgical procedures, the final of which in March 2023 was a cartilage alternative, the place docs develop cartilage exterior the physique and place it within the knee. No participant returned to the NBA after this operation.
Ball, who has been diligently rehabbing for over a yr, stated on his podcast that he plans to take part in a number of extra Bulls preseason video games.
If true, meaning he’ll return to the sphere both Monday towards Milwaukee or Wednesday at dwelling towards Minnesota.
The Bulls say Ball skilled full contact, 5-on-5 scrimmages throughout coaching camp and the preseason. If Ball returns to the sphere for Chicago this season — seemingly in a restricted position on a staff with Josh Giddey and Coby White as the first ball handlers at that time — it could be a triumph of perseverance. Many of the gamers could be lengthy gone.
Ball will make $21.4 million this season within the closing yr of the contract he signed when he arrived in Chicago in 2021, when he seemed just like the glue and defender wanted to construct an in any other case roster poorly tailored. With out him, the Bulls struggled to seek out cohesion.
It might be one of the crucial uplifting tales of the season simply to see him again on the sphere.
