It has been a long recovery process for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine from a torn ACL that he suffered back in February.

However, he has continued to make some significant steps forward in his rehab as he's now participating in scrimmages and contact drills earlier this week for the first time since the surgery. According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, head coach Fred Hoiberg has become quite encouraged by LaVine recently throwing down windmill dunks during three-on-three scrimmages.

The 22-year-old's return should provide the Bulls with a huge boost as he's expected to step in as top scoring option and potentially the next face of the franchise. LaVine had shown continued improvement in his offensive ability as he averaged a career-best 18.9 points on a career-high 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With an opportunity to step into the primary scoring role for the first time in his career, it may be a chance for him to prove that he can become one of the rising stars in the league. All of this will hinge on his health as this is a type of injury that could hinder him if he doesn't let it fully recover.

It appears to be a matter of time before LaVine will make his return to the court to make his long-awaited debut with the Bulls.