Checking in for an NBA preseason sport for the primary time in 2 1/2 years, Chicago Bulls level guard Lonzo Ball obtained a standing ovation from the United Middle crowd Wednesday night time as he accomplished his comeback from intensive knee issues.

Ball started having points with persistent soreness in his left knee in the course of the 2021-22 season. Three surgical procedures and numerous hours of rehab later, he took the courtroom halfway by way of the primary quarter and hit his first shot − a 3-pointer from the left nook.

In quarter-hour of sport motion, Ball completed with 10 factors on 4-of-6 taking pictures in Chicago’s 125-123 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ball stated afterward he wasn’t fascinated by his knee as he returned to sport motion for the primary time in 1,006 days.

“That’s a constructive factor,” he stated. “I didn’t really feel it in any respect. I felt like I used to be transferring nice. So now it’s nearly constructing. Simply proceed to do it night time in and night time out.”

All issues Bulls: Newest Chicago Bulls information, schedule, roster, stats, damage updates and extra.

Ball’s return capped one of many extra superb comebacks in NBA historical past. He was averaging 13 factors and 5.1 assists throughout his first season with the Bulls when he was sidelined by ache in his knee, making his final look on Jan. 14, 2022.

He underwent three totally different surgical procedures, the final one a cartilage transplant in March 2023 in an try to avoid wasting his profession.

In recognition of the whole lot he went by way of to return, his Bulls teammates celebrated Ball’s return by giving him a sport ball.

“I had a objective to get again on the courtroom,” Ball stated. “And I knew it was a protracted journey, a protracted course of. Nevertheless it all paid off as a result of that is what I used to be trying ahead to. I’m simply glad it’s right here now and I can lastly exit and do what I like to do.”