As the Bulls get ready to resume the season, they could have a couple of important players back in the lineup, writes Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. Lauri Markkanen, who has missed 13 games with a strained right shoulder, and Otto Porter Jr., who has been sidelined for 15 games with back spasms, practiced Wednesday and may return tonight. Both players remained in Chicago during the All-Star break to do rehab work.
Markkanen, who wore an undershirt with padding on the shoulder, told reporters he feels “good to go.” The coaching staff doesn’t plan to have him on a minutes restriction whenever he returns. Porter called his back issue a “weird pain” that was easy to reaggravate by doing simple tasks.
“I feel good about what they did today. Both guys went through everything,” coach Billy Donovan said after Wednesday’s practice. “Both guys went through contact. Both guys played. I think the biggest thing for me is when you come out of a late, unnormal practice time where you are finishing up at 7 (p.m. CT) the guys have to go in right now and meet with the medical staff, go through rehab. We’ll see how they are feeling. Certainly they are moving closer and closer to playing.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- The Spurs’ decision to part ways with LaMarcus Aldridge may affect the trade market if the Bulls decide to unload Thaddeus Young, points out K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports. Teams that have been considered possible destinations for Young, such as the Celtics and Trail Blazers, are now believed to be in the running for Aldridge.
- Porter dismissed rumors that he might seek a buyout, saying his focus remains on doing whatever he can to help the Bulls, Johnson adds in the same story. Porter is making $28,489,239 this season and is headed for free agency this summer. “I’ve just been in the gym every day, trying to get my body back,” he said. “Whatever is going on out there, I have no idea about. My agent would probably tell me if something was going on, but he hasn’t said anything.”
- The Bulls didn’t hold a formal organizational meeting during the break to talk about potential trades, but Donovan tells Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times that there have been frequent discussions on the topic among the front office and coaches.
- In case you missed it, Bulls guard Zach LaVine is among the 15 new players under consideration for the U.S. Olympic team.
Lauri Markkanen in a padded undershirt makes me think of George Michael in his padded abs shirt in Arrested D.
Reporters keep reporting bulls may trade Thad and Zach, however AK has consistently put those type of rumors down instantly, they will not trade either, the bulls have been waiting 5 years to simply have an all star on their roster let alone a record that had them close to the playoffs this late in the season, why it’s still believed a second round pick for Thad is more valuable to the bulls than Thads leadership for the young guys is baffling to me, and the bulls resign their star players to max extensions, we may never get a big free agent but Zach is getting the max in Chicago
It’s mostly delusional Knicks fans thinking they will get Lavine.
They’re a whole game over .500 halfway through the season.
So maybe the Knicks won’t disappoint their fans again, maybe?
Not getting Lavine.
Unlike you Namechanger. We know who our team is. Yes there are delusional homers for every team. Real fans we know who we are since we traded for Melo. What is it about haters. That just can’t accept the Knicks rebuilding. If LaVine was available . There would be a few teams interested. The media that you geniuses here swallow. Is the one who pushes that narrative. Not sane Knick fans. By next yr this rebuild will turn into playoff contention. Then it’s time for Big City sports. Mean time it’s all about rebuilding…….
Agree. Why give up Thad Young for a second round pick? If somehow the Bulls could acquire a first round pick for Young, it might worth considering. Second round picks usually don’t make the roster.
Porter and a 2nd for Drummond
No
Yes…
Bulls are headed for a 1st rd exit. So why not trade Young for value. Even with Aldridge out there there are still teams who will want him. Aldridge is harder to trade to a contender cause of his contract. As a FA plenty will come calling (gets bought out). It’s why Celtics should use their TE now to get him. Spurs can’t ask for much. They might even take Thompson, Pops likes D guys.
Smart move starting Markannen at the 4 lol…should stick with what works
White, Lavine, Temple, Williams, Carter
Satoransky, Thad Young, Denzel Valentine, Markannen
That second unit is short a man, Billy been using 10 man rotations. I think Gafford or (ugh) Kornet is 10 in that list.
They’re not going anywhere without a defensive Center. Shake the Lopez family tree and sign whoever falls off first.