After going more than 1,000 days between games, Lonzo Ball was surprisingly productive and efficient upon his return to an NBA floor.
The Chicago Bulls guard averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists compared to just 1.0 turnovers in 15.6 minutes of action over his first three games. He served as a steady hand off the bench for a young team and was a key to some of the best lineups the Bulls put on the floor.
Unfortunately, the injury bug hit him again when he sprained his right wrist during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 28 and hasn't played since. He was set to be re-evaluated after 10 days.
More than two weeks later, there's finally some news regarding the 26-year-old's return, and it sounds positive.
Bulls get update on Lonzo Ball's injury status
After Chicago's near upset victory of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 11, head coach Billy Donovan told reporters that Ball still has pain in his wrist, but his brace is off and he's been cleared to begin dribbling again.
Most importantly, there haven't been any issues with the 26-year-old's knee since he's been sidelined.
Ball was part of one of the Bulls' most intriguing lineups so far this season. When he was on the floor with fellow guards Josh Giddey, Zach LaVine and Coby White, along with center Nikola Vucevic, Chicago had a wild offensive rating of 210.0.
Granted, that was only for nine minutes, as LaVine and Ball haven't seen the floor much together as both have dealt with injuries.
For a Bulls team that wants to run and gun, though, a four-guard lineup that still has size and five players who can all shoot, pass and rebound is an encouraging option for Donovan to keep in his back pocket.
Once Ball returns, which sounds like it's sooner rather than later, we'll see if he goes to that well a little more often.