The Chicago Bulls have been an interesting story to follow this year, as a slow start to the season was quickly superseded by a new-look lineup that’s brought them back into the Play-In Tournament race. With Coby White and DeMar DeRozan leading the charge, they’ve been able to surge their way up the standings.
All the while, Zach LaVine has been on the bench recovering from a foot injury. Chicago has found far more success this season without LaVine in the lineup than with him in it. However, according to recent reports, the Bulls star has been working his way back.
The Bulls just recently assigned him to their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, for practice. It’s the next step in his return-to-play process.
Head coach Billy Donovan said that LaVine’s practice with the Windy City Bulls has been “very positive,” according to KC Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
Billy Donovan said Zach LaVine practiced with Windy City again today and it was “very positive.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 2, 2024
LaVine hasn’t appeared in a game for the Bulls since November 28, and ever since then, the Bulls have exceeded expectations.
Add in the fact that the Bulls were focused on finding a trade for LaVine before his injury, and it could make sense for them to continue exploring potential deals even after he returns.
Just because they’ve turned things around doesn’t mean they should stray from the plan of rebuilding the roster. In fact, reinserting LaVine into the lineup could hurt them more than it helps them.
Chicago will have some tough decisions to make in that regard, but they can only be made once LaVine gets healthy again. And he’s getting closer to that point by the day.
