As the Chicago Bulls look to push their way back up the standings after a rough start to the season, injuries have continuously got in the way. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic just returned from their respective injuries against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, but that’s not where Chicago’s poor injury luck ends.
Torrey Craig is set to miss a significant amount of time, and both Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams are dealing with ailments as well. Luckily for the Bulls, Caruso could be nearing his return from injury sooner rather than later, which is great news for the Bulls. Williams, however, may not be.
According to Bulls head coach Billy Donovan (via KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago), Caruso took part in non-contact practice on Sunday, but Williams did not.
Alex Caruso participated in Bulls’ non-contact practice Sunday, per Donovan. Patrick Williams did not.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 7, 2024
Caruso has been having an amazing season for the Bulls and could be one of their top trade chips at the deadline this season. He’s averaging 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field and 42.6% from behind the three-point line.
As for Williams, he’s been impressive after a slow start. He’s averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 45.3% from the floor and 41.0% from beyond the three-point arc.
Getting Caruso back sooner rather than later would not only help the Bulls’ chances of winning but also help him increase his trade stock ahead of the deadline.
Williams, on the other hand, could use the developmental minutes on a Chicago team that could look very different and much younger in about a month.