Been a long time for Zo.
After missing two seasons, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is expected to make his NBA return in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
After missing two straight NBA seasons, Chicago’s Lonzo Ball is expected to make return to basketball on Wednesday vs. Minnesota, sources told ESPN. A major comeback from cartilage transplant surgery for Ball, who last played Jan. 14, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tuJCF4GYQW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 14, 2024
Ball had to undergo cartilage transplant surgery in his left knee.
It started with a meniscus tear during this time with the Los Angeles Lakers, which reoccurred "until there was no more meniscus left", he said on the The WAE Show podcast.
One former teammate was quick to show his support. Alex Caruso, now a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, posted prayer and fire emojis.
Ball last played in the NBA back in January 14, 2022. He even made a deep three against the Golden State Warriors.🙏🏼🙏🏼🔥🔥 https://t.co/swn49U4xpX
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) October 14, 2024
He averaged 13 points and 5.1 assists, shooting 42.3% from deep for Chicago before his surgery.
And a whole lot has changed in the NBA landscape since then. Here are a few of them.
When Lonzo Ball last played in the NBA...
- The Brooklyn Nets Big Three was still a thing. Now, Kyrie Irving is with the Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Durant is a part of the Phoenix Suns. James Harden is now a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Derrick White was was a part of the San Antonio Spurs. Jrue Holiday suited up for the Milwaukee Bucks. Kristaps Porzingis was in the Dallas Mavericks. Now, they're all NBA champions with the Boston Celtics.
- Chris Paul was a part of the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he has suited up as part of the Golden State Warriors before joining the Spurs. Oh, and Victory Wembanyama was drafted.
- Damian Lillard said goodbye to the Portland Trail Blazers and became a Buck.
- Jalen Brunson (Mavericks), OG Anunoby (Raptors), Josh Hart (Pelicans), Mikal Bridges (Suns), and Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves) are all part of the New York Knicks now.
- Oh. And LeBron James and Bronny made history by becoming the first father-and-son duo to play their first game together.
Fingers crossed for a good welcome for Ball.
