The Bulls aren’t certain if Jaden Ivey will be able to play again this season, but he’s making progress in that direction, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times writes in a subscriber-only story. The fourth-year guard recently took part in a workout with the team’s G League affiliate, and sources tell Cowley that he may participate in a session with the NBA team on Sunday. Coach Billy Donovan has discussed the situation with members of the medical team, who remain hopeful about Ivey’s long-term outlook.
“I think I have a pretty good feel for him as a player when he’s healthy,” Donovan said. “He was really explosive, downhill, two-way player, can defend, really improved his shooting. The biggest thing I would want to know from our medical guys, and I have talked a little bit about this is, ‘OK, does a summer really bring his strength back?’ That would be my biggest thing. Our medical guys, when I’ve spoken to them, they feel really, really optimistic and positive that he will regain that strength, but strength doesn’t necessarily come back just like that. It’s going to take a period of time.”
Ivey was acquired from Detroit at the trade deadline, but he only appeared in four games before being sidelined by a troublesome left knee. He remained in Chicago for treatment during the team’s just-completed 10-day road trip. Ivey will be a restricted free agent this summer if the Bulls extend a qualifying offer, and they would like to see him in action some more before making that decision.
“I think a lot of it is going to be predicated on where his strength is at,” Donovan said of a potential return. “The improvement and growth he’s made in the strength area.”
There’s more on the Bulls:
- Patrick Williams was able to return Friday after missing six of the previous seven games with a sprained left ankle, Cowley adds. Jalen Smith, who has been dealing with a calf strain, was held out on the second night of a back-to-back.
- Josh Giddey recorded his 29th career triple-double on Friday, surpassing franchise legend Michael Jordan on the Bulls’ all-time list, Cowley states in a separate story. “Anytime your name is mentioned with people like that, obviously it’s the upper, upper echelon of players, so it’s pretty special and surreal,” Giddey said. “But I guess the game has changed and triple-doubles might not be what they are today, but anytime your name is mentioned with greats like that, it’s always an honor and I don’t take it for granted.”
- Matas Buzelis has become a more reliable scorer since the All-Star break, punctuated by a career-high 41-point night in Tuesday’s win at Golden State, notes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune (subscription required). It’s an encouraging sign from the second-year forward, who’s viewed as an important part of the team’s future. “I try to come out aggressive every game,” Buzelis said. “Good things will happen if you put in the work and you believe in yourself. But you have to put the work in. If you don’t, you’re just cheating yourself.”
I’m tired of hearing Billy D’s evaluation of players. I feel like he’s talking too much despite having no success with this team.
I don’t know about anyone else but they need to make changes from the top to the bottom. They need a gm who knows what he is doing. They need a coach who knows what he is doing. Any chance we can get Phil Jackson back to coaching ha ha
Agreed but changes like that won’t happen anytime soon unless a beautiful disaster happens and the regime is forced out. As far as Jackson goes, his nba coaching days were over awhile ago unfortunately. His mind is still incredibly valuable but his heart and focus is probably elsewhere instead helping nba teams..especially his beloved bulls. Anyways, I honestly think that Donovan’s time is running out in Chicago. Despite being connected with ownership, I’m willing to bet that he’s got a few more seasons left to prove himself and help get the team into shape.
Unfortunately, I agree about Donovan. I really thought when he first signed with Chicago that this was an incredible hire, and maybe it was, but so many things just not going right in Chicago. Not all is his fault, but this reign needs to go. Just unbelievable that all the trades they made they didn’t get a first round pick. It’s being tough being a Bulls fan lately.
Giddey is the new MJ!
Since the trade deadline, Matas has had the chance to become a bigger part of the Bulls’ offense and he has really stepped up. Over the last ten games he is averaging 21.4 points, in just over 32 minutes per game.
Him and Leonard Miller are two bright spots this year.
Agree, although I do wish Matas will score a bit more. Something about him I feel like has a potential to be a top 30 player in the league.
He’s got everything in order to be a great 2 way player. Top 30 in scoring could be tough but not impossible..especially if he gains more upper body strength and develops a mean post game
You are right. What player do you see him being compared to?