“Will Lonzo Ball Be Ready for Opening Night? Bulls Remain Uncertain Amid Promising Recovery”
Lonzo Ball has been making significant progress in his injury recovery this offseason, transitioning from playing 1-on-1 to participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages. While these are encouraging signs, the bigger question is when he will actually return to play.
According to Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have not committed to whether they expect Ball to be ready for opening day. If he does return, he will need a substantial ramp-up period after being out of action for two years. Poe noted, “Although the next goal is for Ball to participate during training camp in some capacity, the Bulls remain noncommittal on whether they expect the point guard to be cleared to play by opening day. Ball would require a significant ramping-up period, which could include an outing or two with the G League Windy City Bulls before a return to the NBA. If he continues to progress with no further pain, complications, or setbacks, he likely would face a firm minutes restriction initially.”
Ball has expressed his desire to play on opening night for the Chicago Bulls, but players often have a more optimistic view than medical staff. The months of August and September will be crucial in determining how prepared Ball is for an opening night return.
As Ball continues with his 5-on-5 scrimmages, it’s crucial that he avoids setbacks with his surgically repaired knee. Similar to Kawhi Leonard’s situation, it will likely be a day-by-day process to monitor how his knee responds to increased activity on the court.