After missing two consecutive NBA seasons, Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is set to make his long-awaited return to the court. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Ball is expected to play on Wednesday, October 16, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks a major milestone in Ball’s recovery from cartilage transplant surgery, which sidelined him for over two years.
Ball last played in an NBA game on January 14, 2022, before suffering a left knee injury that derailed his season and eventually required multiple surgeries. The injury occurred just as the Bulls were thriving, holding the best record in the Eastern Conference at the time. Ball’s impact on both ends of the floor, particularly his shooting, was missed as Chicago struggled without him.
Ball underwent several procedures to address the knee issues, including arthroscopic debridement and, ultimately, a cartilage transplant in March 2023. His recovery was slow, with Chicago’s front office initially unsure of when—or if—he would return. In May 2024, Ball revealed that he had also received a meniscus transplant, adding further complexity to his rehabilitation process.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, Ball began making significant progress over the summer of 2024. In July, he was cleared for full-contact five-on-five scrimmages, an essential step in returning to game action. By August, Ball participated in scrimmages with no reported setbacks, raising optimism about his potential return to the NBA.
Ball’s return on October 16 will be his first official game since January 2022. This comeback marks a significant moment in his career, as he seeks to regain his form and re-establish himself as a key contributor for the Bulls. In his last full season, Ball averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting a career-high 42% from three-point range.