Lonzo Ball's Bulls return was incredible enough to sum up in just 1 word

Before the Chicago Bulls hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves for an NBA preseason game on Wednesday, Oct. 16, Lonzo Ball hadn't played NBA basketball for 1,006 days.

During that time, he underwent three surgeries on his left knee - career-saving surgeries.

He walked into the United Center Wednesday night knowing he would step on the floor for the first time since Jan. 14, 2022. He knew he would be limited to 16 minutes. But no one, Ball included, knew what to expect.

Undoubtedly, the 26-year-old's performance was better than anticipated and more. In fact, there's really only one word to describe Ball's return.

Lonzo Ball's NBA return with the Bulls was astonishing

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word "astonishing" as "causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder." Ball's NBA return was both surprising and wonderful.

He checked into the game to a standing ovation midway through the first quarter.

After missing more than two years of basketball, it took him all of 30 seconds to score as he drilled a corner three.

He finished the first half perfect, scoring six points on 2-of-2 shooting from three and added a rebound, an assist, a steal and a block.

In all, he played 15 minutes and 7 seconds and finished with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from deep. He looked comfortable with every step, like when he did this:

Technically, it wasn't a flawless performance. He did miss two shots. But there's no denying it was astonishing - surprising and wonderful.

Ball undeniably deserves an A+ for his return debut.