For the past two-and-a-half years, NBA fans have awaited the anticipated on-court return of Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. Ball last suited up for the Bulls in January 2022. Due to numerous, devastating knee injuries, there were questions about whether Ball would ever make it back onto the court. Fortunately for the guard, it seems he has made tremendous progress in his recovery. Additionally, he is fully expected to return to the court this year. The question remains, however, when exactly NBA fans should expect to see the UCLA alum back with the Bulls. Recently, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan gave a bit of insight into the plans for Ball’s return.
Per K.C. Johnson, Donovan revealed that, while there is still “a ramp-up period” for Ball, he would not rule out his availability in tomorrow’s preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lonzo Ball and Josh Giddey both continue to take contact in practice and scrimmage but Billy Donovan wouldn’t commit to them playing in Tuesday’s preseason opener in Cleveland. Said Ball “still has a ramp-up period” but also didn’t rule him out.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 7, 2024
Furthermore, via Julia Poe, Donovan also suggested there have been no setbacks for Ball so far in his recovery. This suggests Ball’s return should happen sooner rather than later.
Josh Giddey is on track to play tomorrow but medical will need to assess how he comes out of today, per Billy Donovan.
No setbacks for Lonzo or Josh so far.
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) October 7, 2024
Billy Donovan Sheds Light On When Lonzo Ball Will Make Return
Lonzo Ball Expects to Play in the Bulls’ Regular Season Opener
There are many reasons to feel optimistic about Ball’s status. Though he has not played an NBA game in over two years, the 27-year-old recently revealed he “pretty much [has] a new knee.”
“I pretty much have a brand-new knee,” Ball said. “So it’s always going to be a little different than what God gave me to start off with. But I’m feeling good. I’m feeling healthy enough to play. That’s all that really matters, just managing it throughout the year and being available.”
Furthermore, while not official yet, Ball revealed that he expects to be ready for the Bulls’ season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Obviously we can’t really tell the future, but that’s the plan I’m on,” Ball said. “I think I’ll be ready for the first game for sure.”
It is unknown what Ball’s role with the team will be immediately following his return. Currently, Josh Giddey, who the Bulls acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder, is slated to start for the team at point guard. However, if he can return to even a fraction of what he was before his absence, there is a legitimate chance Ball will take his starting job back over time.
The Last Word
Judging by what Ball and Donovan have said, it seems that the California native’s return truly is near. The last time Ball was healthy, the Bulls were a top team in the East. Currently, it seems unlikely they will reach that level again this season. Nonetheless, getting Ball back is a huge boost for the team.
