There's a reason why Ball remains the organization's best trade asset, as he has shown to be the best all-around player on the roster minute-for-minute. Now, if he can just stay healthy as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches,

Returning from a career-threatening knee injury and playing on a minutes restriction, Ball has surprised everybody with his progress.

Lonzo Ball wants to be known for his defense. But this season, he still wasn’t sure when — or if — he would get that part of his game back.

While Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball finally returned from a two-year knee injury, he hasn't fully returned to form. He's only played in eight games for the team this season and has been kept tightly wrapped to a 16-18 minute restriction.

"After two-and-a-half years, he played three games, and then he's out again for another period," coach Billy Donovan said. "He comes right back, and it's amazing to me."

Billy Donovan said after today's game that Lonzo Ball has been elevated to a 20-minute playing time restriction. He remained under that today. And a really promising step as he gets closer and closer to a normal rotation.