Lonzo Ball's Return to the NBA Goes Viral

Lonzo Ball went 1,006 days between NBA games. The Chicago Bulls' home crowd at The United Center gave him an appropriate welcome back when he checked in during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 16.

Ball went right to work, sinking his first shot attempt, a corner three.

He followed that up with another three, and some superb defense, including a behind the back block on star forward Julius Randle.

Ball went into halftime with six points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block in nine minutes of playing time. That's reminiscent of the player he was before his three surgeries, including a cartilage transplant in one knee.

The sixth-year point guard spoke with reporters ahead of his return on Wednesday, relaying a confidence in his ability to still play at an NBA level.

"It's not the same body I started off with," Ball told reporters . "But I think I can still be productive and effective on the court. That's why I'm still trying to play."

For the Bulls, a healthy Ball is a huge development. They've still got Zach LaVine in the fold, as well as Josh Giddey and Jevon Carter. That's a solid blend of offense and defense in the backcourt, and in the worst case scenario, strong trade chips.

Chicago will play things slowly with Ball's rehab and return, which includes no back-to-backs, as reported on the game's broadcast. But even if he's 60% the player he was before his injuries, playing 60% of the time, the Bulls' outlook gets a little brighter.

Related: Lonzo Ball Speaks Out Ahead of First Bulls Game Since 2022