Bulls center Wendell Carter Jr. is in line for an earlier-than-expected return from a quadriceps injury, practicing with the team fully on Sunday, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports writes.
Carter, 21, sustained the injury nearly one month ago and has been out for the club’s last 11 games. He also missed time with injuries during his previous two campaigns, averaging 11.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 29.2 minutes per game during the 2019/20 season.
“Eventually, we’re going to have to throw him in there with the number of games coming and the limited amount of practice time,” coach Billy Donovan acknowledged. “(Sunday) was a good day for the fact we were able to practice and go up and down and do some 5-on-5 and he was able to participate in all of those things. And he looked fine doing it. I don’t think there was any problems at least while that was going on. We’ll see how he responds to the workload.”
Chicago will open a three-game road trip on Monday against Pacers, followed by games against the Hornets on Wednesday and Sixers on Friday.
Here are some other notes from the Windy City:
- Zach LaVine‘s teammates believed he’s being overlooked as a potential All-Star this season, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes. Though his defensive production needs work and the Bulls are 10-15, LaVine has averaged a career-high 28.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season. ‘‘I think he understands at this point in his career that individual accolades come when the team does really well,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘I think if it happens, it would be great for him to be recognized as an All-Star; it’s an incredible honor. But I don’t think it’s the driving force for him.’’
- Playing on Friday against Kawhi Leonard, his favorite player, was a learning experience for forward Patrick Williams, Cowley writes in a different story. Leonard finished with a game-high 33 points, also tallying six rebounds and zero turnovers in nearly 33 minutes in the Clippers’ 125-106 win. ‘‘Me, I think I could have done better — energy, defensively, just making it tough on him,’’ Williams said. ‘‘I think he was a little bit too comfortable out there. That’s on me. So . . . just gotta watch the film and get better from it offensively and defensively. And also, as a team, there are some things, some areas there where we kind of dropped the ball.’’
- Two-way player Devon Dotson had an impressive start to the G League Bubble last week, Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports writes. Dotson finished with 16 points in the first contest, along with 12 points and 10 assists in the second, making a respectable impact in both games.
I like the idea of trading LaVine and John Collins
If someone offers an all around player, you take it
If not, you don’t trade
Why would the Bulls want to trade Zach LaVine?
Why Howie? Because the way the team is currently constructed, they aren’t going to win. As of right now they are not a free agent destination. LaVine is the only asset that can get you a player and quality pick in return. And be not having LaVine, who is playing all star bball right now, there’s a good chance we pick top 3 in what seems to be a stronger draft than last year. I know there’s some ping pong ball luck involved.
The players you’d like to trade away just don’t have any value.
Yeah that makes sense. Trade best player for picks so you can hopefully draft a player as good as Lavine…This aint 2K…
How do you see this team getting any better? Years of not drafting well or developing players isn’t going to be fixed by LaVine. His value isn’t going to get much higher. I’m sorry you don’t understand that concept.
Carter was playing well before, hope he can stay healthy.
Team record should have ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with All Star selections. Yes, basketball is the sport where wins and losses can be affected by a single player the most, but it’s not absolute either.
I agree. But dreadful defense should matter… unless you’re an offensive unicorn.
Lol it’s a popularity contest half based on a fan vote. People can use whatever criteria they want. It’s just for fun.
And any player who ties something on their contract to an ASG selection should know what they’re signing up for (or they’re a idiot).
Wendell Carter hasn’t improved one bit in 3 years. He’s no stud.
Lavine will make the all star team. Someone will be dinged or just pretending to be dinged just in time for the game.
Team record shouldn’t be an independent reason to deny a player an All Star nod. But it’s certainly a relevant factor in evaluating a player’s performance, directly or indirectly. Most teams evaluate players (their own and others) using metrics designed to determine a player’s contribution to winning. Team record is thus relevant to them in valuing a guy for trade or FA signing. How can it not be for All Star selection? Anyway, if LeVine were one of the best 24 players in the league, then the Bulls wouldn’t be comfortably headed for another bottom 10 finish. LeVine has never been on a team that hasn’t had that level of finish.
*Lavine