Bulls “Moved On” From Lonzo Ball With $44M Decision Despite His Miraculous Return, Says ESPN Insider

Everyone in the arena rose to their feet when Lonzo Ball finally made his NBA return. With a severe knee injury, the UCLA product spent over two seasons on the sidelines, rehabbing and tirelessly preparing for a return. Likewise, his teammates and everyone in the franchise felt pride in seeing him come back. "I was just personally really happy for him," head coach Billy Donovan said after the game.

But as ceremonious as the Bulls guard's return was, the franchise is still not piling expectations over the 26-year-old. Having gone through a cartilage transplant, the fear of overexertion remains large. Though Ball looked comfortable, the approach has to be delicate. The franchise is still willing to use him but with careful observation. As they wait and hope that the former Laker does retain his rhythm soon, the Bulls can't sideline their season.

Brian Windhorst spoke about the Bulls' strategy in a season that Ball hopes to re-establish himself as an integral member of the organization. "I don't think they are counting on anything from him," Windy noted. To fill the playmaking void that the savvy point guard leaves in the starting lineup, the Bulls added Josh Giddey in the offseason. Furthermore, after the disposition of DeMar DeRozan, Coby White is projected to become the leading talisman for the Windy City.

"Yeah, I mean they've moved on from him as a player they can count on. They've drafted and signed Coby White to an extension, they traded for Josh Giddey," Windhorst said on Hoops Collective .

Giddey, the former Thunder point guard has regularly played as the starting string facilitator. Lavine might transform into becoming a wing this season, allowing White to fit beside Giddey in the backcourt. As far as Ball's role goes, it will still be influential for the Bulls, even this season.

But what exactly will his job entail?

Lonzo Ball will brighten the Bulls' bench unit No NBA player has managed to come back from a cartilage transplant until Lonzo Ball. In hindsight, the procedure requires him to accustom himself to a different rhythm. Against the Wolves, that didn't seem to be a hindrance. He logged 15 points and was swiftly moving along the floor, making defensive interruptions whenever possible.

But Tim MacMacMahon strongly believes it's difficult for Ball to play big minutes again, or at least for a significant amount of time. "The days of Lonzo being a 35-minute starter probably aren't coming back," he said. But with him coming off the bench, the Bulls can extract his natural instincts and acumen to strengthen their second unit.

In his first game back, scoring didn't seem to be a worry for Ball. His renewed jumper produced two three-pointers in 15 minutes of action, and he looked comfortable holding his position. With Caruso out of the ranks, Ball's presence as a defensive anchor will be crucial, especially in those small spurts where the Bulls can capitalize on his abilities.

At 6'6′′ he is much larger than most guards his size and has shown versatility to defend wings with remarkable results. Naturally, as he acclimates himself to his role, the plays will start beginning from him, harnessing his inherent playmaking skills. Despite a major injury curtailing his minutes, there is no doubt that Lonzo Ball can become a celebrated player till the time he recovers his full fitness.

With his unwavering outlook and positivity, it's not maniacal to think Ball can't become a starter again. At the time of his injury, very few believed he could return. Lonzo Ball has managed to do that. Once he starts to find a comfortable rhythm and adapts to it, the improved shooter has the capabilities of becoming a big minutes player again.

The process though will be grueling and at times frustrating too. Do you think Lonzo Ball can become a starter in his career? Let us know your views in the comments below.