As expected, Zach LaVine will be activated on Friday for the Bulls‘ home game vs. the Hornets, returning from a 17-game absence due to a right foot injury. LaVine confirmed the news himself during a media session following the team’s shootaround, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
“I’m back man. It feels good,” LaVine said. “I’ve been away for a month. I feel good. Being hurt is never good and rehabbing is some of the worst things in the world. I’m glad I’m able to do what I love. The foot feels strong. It feels better. Hopefully, it stays that way.”
LaVine told reporters that he’ll initially be on a minutes restriction and expects to play about 25 to 30 minutes on Friday. That same 25-to-30 minute restriction will apply to center Nikola Vucevic, who confirmed that he’ll also suit up tonight after missing five games due to an adductor strain, Johnson writes.
The Bulls have performed well in LaVine’s absence, winning 10 of 17 games following a 5-14 start. And with Vucevic out, Andre Drummond has been hugely productive as Chicago’s starting center, averaging 14.0 points and 19.4 rebounds over the past five games. Perhaps with those numbers in mind, the Bulls will bring both LaVine and Vucevic off the bench on Friday as the former All-Stars are eased back into Billy Donovan‘s rotation.
LaVine’s return, in particular, figures to spark league-wide interest since he has long been considered one of this season’s top trade candidates. His pricey multiyear contract has limited his appeal on the trade market, but if he plays well this month and the Bulls continue to win more games than they lose, the 28-year-old’s value could bounce back a little ahead of the February 8 trade deadline.
For his part, LaVine said he isn’t think about his trade value or whether he might be dealt in the coming weeks, and that he’s focused on helping the Bulls push for a playoff spot.
“My main objective is to get back playing. If I let opinions affect me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I could care less what people think about me. I know who I am and what I do,” LaVine said. “I know what I have to do. Help provide for the team and help us win. I don’t look toward the future.”
Now trade the two to Golden State for Green and whatever else that will come back.
Sure because the game is against the Hornets. If they were going to play against another team with a winning record, they would still be hurt.
Back to being mid…
You say that like they stopped being mid in the first place
Y’all said with Lavine out they will improve.
Yeah? From godawful to mid. That’s improvement.
Lol to the Bulls front office. Just imagine the trade packages they’ve turned down over the last 3 years for their “star” players just to keep them and still suck smh
They were in first place 23 months ago
It’s easier to pull the plug from the couch than actually push the button.
I’m not saying they made all the right calls just that maybe we shouldn’t shred failed attempts at winning as much as we celebrate ( *want to celebrate )tanking ( something fans do farrrrrrr more than actual Gms )
Kings were one of the better teams last year too and folded down the stretch. Seeding matters rarely, you either a contender or a pretender.
Agreed. Hindsight is 20/20. Last season, the Bulls had 3 point lead against the Heat inside 3 minutes in the play-in game in Miami. The Heat won and went all the way to the finals. Don’t want to blame AK/ME for trying to give Bulls fans something to like.