“Something went wrong in terms of these procedures that he has had. I don’t think he’ll ever be the same based off of what we’re seeing and hearing.” Stephen A. Smith was quick to rule out the return of Lonzo Ball’s on-court skill and potential last year. After all, the hooper’s condition by August ’23 was far worse than what most players face. Despite the odds placed against Ball, the point guard has returned after a 1006-day gap. While he may not be out of trouble yet, he looks to ensure no more absentee days.

After the Bulls-Wolves game, Bulls Insider KC Johnson got a statement from the man of the hour himself. Lonzo Ball was reported to have confirmed that he will “for sure” be present for the upcoming matchup against the Cavaliers. The hooper thanked his teammates, who were patient and showered love. Zach LaVine even grabbed the game ball and got the team to give it to Lonzo as a souvenir.

On the other hand, the point guard was possibly taking measures to ensure that his injury did not make a comeback. As a result, Lonzo Ball was seen icing his knee in the middle of the game. He was on the court for 15 minutes, scoring 10 points, a rebound, and an assist.

14 January 2022 was the last day that Lonzo Ball competed in an NBA game before the recent preseason matchup. If the 138-96 loss to the Warriors wasn’t enough to darken things for the Bulls, it didn’t help when it was revealed that their point guard had developed an ailment. Initially thought to be a minor meniscus injury, the tear soon caused the hooper to undergo surgery.

Discomfort during rehab ruled him out for the remaining games of the season. By March ’23, Ball had undergone a cartilage transplant, which was his 3rd operation on the knee in a little more than a year. Along with reportedly getting a new meniscus with the cartilage transplant, Ball also had to undergo a bone allograft, which required the replacement bone to come from another individual.

The player himself admitted that the issues with his knee had been existing ever since he tore his meniscus back in 2018 at the Lakers. No matter what, however, he is now back, not looking to return to the sidelines anytime soon. “Not really, to be honest,” said Ball when asked if he ever doubted this day would come.

“I had a goal to get back on the court. I know it was a long journey, a long process, but it all paid off because this was what I was looking forward to. I’m just glad it’s here now. I can finally go out and do what I love to do,” said Lonzo Ball. While the hooper seems rearing to go all in, however, the Bulls are still making efforts to ensure that a repeat of January 2022 does not occur.

Amidst knee and weight concerns, Lonzo Ball reveals being placed on a minutes restriction: “We’ll have to manage it all year”

After the shootaround that took place before the highly anticipated game at the United Center, Lonzo Ball engaged in a Q&A session with the media. Having not played professionally for two and a half years, it was evident that the point guard would have to be eased in. Ball himself revealed that a mutual decision had been made with the Bulls members to keep him on a 16-minute restriction for the Timberwolves game. “We’ll have to manage it all year. That’s just the reality of it,” explained the 26-year-old hooper.

“COVID definitely set me back. It’s more about just getting my weight up. I lost like 10 pounds, so back to normal now. I feel a lot better, so I’ll be ready to play tonight.” Lonzo Ball, becoming the only athlete to return to playing from a meniscus and/or cartilage transplant, has secured a 5-3 win record against the Cavaliers during his NBA tenure but is still yet to win a regular season game against them whilst playing as a Bull. Are you excited about the new phase in the Bulls and Lonzo’s journey?

Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.