The Chicago Bulls could soon have All-Star guard Zach LaVine back in harness after the team assigned him to join the Windy City Bulls and attend practices that involve non-controlled contact.
This is LaVine’s final hurdle in his bid to rejoin the Bulls since he was sidelined on November 29 due to an inflamed right foot.
Could return this week
If all things go according to plan and LaVine does not suffer any setbacks, the high-leaping guard can play on Friday when the Bulls host the Charlotte Hornets. The Bulls had practice at the Advocate Center on Monday before going on the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday and the New York Knicks on Wednesday.
While LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Torrey Craig have been on the team’s bench during the Bulls’ recent home stand, lending their veteran voice, coach Billy Donovan decided to have them remain in Chicago this time around.
“I like having those guys on the bench just with their voice. I think it’s always good. But their health is the most important thing and getting the back to play,” Donovan said.
“There’s more that they’ll have access to (in Chicago) because they’re all at a point where they can really do stuff on the court. . . . It’s a lot easier for them (in Chicago).”
Bulls’ improved play
After playing like deer in headlights at the start of the 2023-2024 season, Chicago went on a 10-5 tear in December to stand at 15-19. Coincidentally, the Bulls’ winning stretch has come with Zach on the sidelines. However, the Bulls players have consistently asserted that LaVine will help them get even more victories once he returns.
LaVine’s future with the franchise remains murky as the front office explores what trade avenues they could go down. However, reports have mentioned that there isn’t a market for Zach right now. Before getting sidelined, he had been averaging 21 points on 44.3 percent shooting.
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