Despite making it known that he will be ready for the start of training camp, it still remains unclear when exactly newly acquired Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine will be seen on the court once again. He is currently ahead of schedule in his recovery, and he is positive that he will be able to be cleared by doctors to resume basketball-related activities earlier than the nine-month timetable given to him.
Zach Lavine talking about his rehab and when he's expected to be back earlier today in my exclusive pic.twitter.com/a25kOPhkSa
— Joshua Alfonzo Vinson (@TheJoshAVinson) July 9, 2017
However, the Bulls may be planning not to rush him in his return, considering holding him out until the All-Star break instead, according to Zach Harper of FanRag Sports.
“LaVine said at Wednesday’s ESPYS that he plans to be ready for training camp after tearing his ACL in early February, but December projects to be the more likely earliest return. The Bulls probably won’t get to see him on the court in meaningful minutes prior to the rookie extension deadline. That means they can either blindly offer a contract extension in the $100 million range over the next four years or hope restricted free agency treats them well. Either way, the Bulls aren’t expected to let LaVine out of their grasp. Sources familiar with the situation believe the Bulls will likely hold LaVine out closer to the All-Star break.”
Should the Bulls indeed decide to ease him back slowly, it does make a lot of sense, as ACL injuries are always tricky to deal with. It would also give LaVine additional time to work on his game and be close to 100 percent once he returns to the court.
After having his best run as a professional in the first 30 games of last season, the former two-time slam dunk champion could be in line for a bigger role in Chicago. There's even a possibility of him becoming a focal point of their offense if he doesn't show any sign of being hampered by the injury in the future.
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