Lonzo Ball Set to Return to Court in Nearly 3 Years for Preseason Match Against Timberwolves
Chicago Bulls Expect Point Guard to Play in Upcoming Preseason Games
The Chicago Bulls are expecting point guard Lonzo Ball to finally return to the court for the first time in nearly three years, when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game on Wednesday. This comes after being sidelined due to a knee injury since January 2022.
Coaching Plans for Ball’s Return
According to Coach Billy Donovan, the plan is to have Ball play the final two preseason games, with the goal of getting him ready for the regular season. The team wants to try to get him to play in two games before the regular season, whether it’s on Wednesday or off and then going the next game.
Challenges and Restrictions Ahead
Ball has been slowed by COVID-19 last month, and the Bulls are still working to determine how much activity leads to knee soreness. Despite this, he plans to be ready for the season opener. He will be on a minutes restriction and won’t play games on back-to-back days.
Athleticism and Vision Key to Ball’s Game
Donovan emphasized that Ball’s game is based on more than just athleticism. “He doesn’t need to necessarily be the same kind of athlete he was because … so much of his game is based on passing,” he said. “There’s things he sees vision-wise that got nothing to do with where he is athletically.”
Bulls’ Final Preseason Games
The Bulls acquired Ball from New Orleans in a sign-and-trade deal before the 2021-22 season. He got off to a good start in Chicago, averaging 13 points and 5.1 assists while shooting 42.3% on 3-pointers over 35 games before being derailed. Now, he’s ready to return to the court.
Conclusion
The return of Lonzo Ball is a much-anticipated event for the Chicago Bulls and their fans. While he will be coming back from a lengthy injury, the team is optimistic about his potential impact on the court. With a new cartilage transplant and meniscus replacement, Ball is expected to be a dominant force in the Bulls’ backcourt.
FAQs
* How long has Lonzo Ball been sidelined due to injury?
+ Nearly three years, since January 2022
* What is the plan for Ball’s return to the court?
+ He will play in the final two preseason games, with the goal of being ready for the season opener
* What are the restrictions on Ball’s playing schedule?
+ He will be on a minutes restriction and won’t play games on back-to-back days
* What is the nature of Ball’s injury?
+ He underwent a cartilage and meniscus transplant in his left knee, with issues dating back to a 2018 injury while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers
