Based off Media Day talk and answers after the first practice for the Chicago Bulls, it doesn’t sound like Zach LaVine is going to making his debut until at least November.
Zach LaVine may be the new centerpiece for the rebuilding Chicago Bulls, but based off the responses to questions about his status this week, it doesn’t sound like the two-time Slam Dunk champion is going to be making his debut until at least November.
“We’re not going to rush Zach back,” Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said at Bulls Media Day on Monday afternoon in Chicago.
“But we’re also going to listen. When (doctors) say he’s ready to play or to practice, we’re going to allow him to do that. The one thing I’ve always found —and it’s big — is guys come back from an extended time out, especially coming off surgery, and when they get the OK they need to get in basketball condition. And that doesn’t happen overnight.”
After the Bulls’ first practice of the season, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said that LaVine has no restrictions when he’s doing non-contact, 1-on-0 basketball work, but doesn’t expect that he’ll be cleared to take contact and eventually play until mid-November.
Hoiberg on LaVine: "Basically, 1 on 0 he has no restrictions." Thinks doctors will wait full 9 months before cleared for contact. #Bulls pic.twitter.com/ygpXUteQrj
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHSports) September 26, 2017
Although Zach LaVine's numbers are ahead of schedule, Bulls don't expect him to practice with contact until mid-November
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) September 26, 2017
LaVine tore the ACL in his left knee back in early February with the Minnesota Timberwolves and November would mark nine months since the injury. Usually, rehabbing an ACL tear takes roughly 8-12 months for athletes.
“I can’t stand just sitting here,” LaVine said himself on Monday at Media Day. “But I’m working hard so when I get back I’m not going to have any constraints.”
LaVine also noted that he’s running faster and jumping higher than he ever did at the 2014 NBA Draft Combine.
The good thing for the Bulls is that there’s no need to rush LaVine back.
Sure, he’s probably the most talented player on the current roster, but like Paxson rather humorously said on Monday, wins and losses aren’t the most important matter this season for the Bulls.
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The big thing here for the Bulls is that they get LaVine back to 100 percent and fully healthy because a lot of weight will fall on his shoulders as this rebuild moves along into the future.