Lonzo Ball ensures NBA return 1,000 days after knee injury

Lonzo Ball has returned to the NBA after recovering from a career-threatening knee injury that caused the point guard to miss nearly three full seasons.

On Wednesday (October 16), Ball suited up for the Chicago Bulls' preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking a miraculous comeback after numerous knee surgeries and doubts that he would ever play in an NBA game again.

Ball was limited to 15 minutes due to a restriction so he could get back into game action. He was productive in his return, scoring 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting from the field.

Before the game, Ball spoke about the impact of his injury on his playing style and approach to the game. “It’s not the same body I started with,” Ball said after the Bulls’ shootout. “But I think I can still be productive and effective on the pitch. That’s why I’m still trying to play.”

Ball was first injured on January 14, 2022, during a game against the Golden State Warriors, which the Bulls lost 138-86. Since then, the former No. 2 draft pick has undergone a total of three separate arthroscopic procedures on his left knee, including a rare double cartilage transplant in March 2023.

Ball addressed the difficulties associated with his long recovery process and expressed gratitude for the journey, which he said is now “behind.”

“Long. Really long,” he said of his rehab. “But looking back, it went a lot quicker than I thought. … They tell me that recovery is still 18 months (after the third surgery), that sounds crazy right now, But now I’m here. Now it’s all behind me.”

Ball credited his comeback to his unwavering belief in himself as well as his trust in the medical staff who supported him throughout the process.

“I think it's the belief in myself – knowing what I felt, knowing I was at a good age to come back from it,” the 26-year-old said. “I just trust the doctors and the people around me.”

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