NBA Rumors: Bulls' Lonzo Ball returns from knee injury against Wolves in preseason game | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Lonzo Ball has not played in an NBA game since January 14, 2022 due to serious knee injuries. According to reports, this series will come to an end on Wednesday.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Ball will return to the court for the Chicago Bulls' preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Ball previously said on his podcast that he plans to play in at least two preseason games for the Bulls:

A healthy Ball would make a big difference for Chicago.

The 26-year-old has averaged 11.9 points, 6.2 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game over his career, shooting 40 percent from three while providing elite perimeter defense. However, health has always been an issue – he has never played more than 63 games in a season and has missed the last two entirely.

One can also wonder what he will look like after such a long break from playing. Significant rust formation can also be expected well into the season.

At least the Bulls now have the backup point guard role covered. Offseason newcomer Josh Giddey will handle the primary playmaking duties in the starting lineup, with 2023-24 standout Coby White taking on an off-ball role and Zach LaVine taking over the small forward position.

Ball will likely lead the second unit.

The Bulls were a far better team with the veteran point guard on the court during the 2021-22 season, posting a 3.1 net rating when he played and a minus-2.1 net rating without him, according to NBA.com.

They had a record of 27-13 before he suffered the knee injury in May 2023 that has since required multiple surgeries and a rare double cartilage transplant, but they went just 19-23 the rest of the season, entering the 2022-23 season 40-42 and 39-43 last season.

Ball won't fix all of Chicago's problems as the team transitions from its previous older core to a younger one. But his return is a positive story and should give the team more depth, playmaking and defensive strength.