The 3 Bulls players affected most by Lonzo Ball's return

After missing two and a half seasons and waiting just over 1,000 days, Lonzo Ball has returned to the court for the Chicago Bulls.

In Ball's 15 minutes on the court against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 16, he finished with 10 points, one rebound, one assist, one block and one steal while shooting 50 percent from three.

From the initial meniscus tear on Jan.14, 2022, in a game against the Golden State Warriors to returning earlier this week, the journey for Ball's return has been a long and tough path.

The surgery for the meniscus, an arthroscopic debridement, a cartilage transplant in his left knee and moments of discomfort and setbacks are only part of his path back to the league.

When speaking to the media following the Bulls' 125-123 win over the Wolves, Ball reflected on his return to the court.

"Felt a lot better playing than watching. I couldn't even put it into words how it felt being out there. ... It was definitely a moment I'll never forget.
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- Lonzo Ball

With Ball's return to the court, several players are impacted by his return, whether positive or negative. If Ball can play throughout the entirety of the 2024-25 season, these players and the Bulls will be affected by his play on the court.