Things can't seem to get any worse for the Chicago Bulls, right? Well, maybe we shouldn't speak too soon. Late in the Bulls' loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, guard Zach LaVine heard a “pop” in his ankle when landing after a drive.
“I think it was just some fluid or something,” said LaVine, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. “I’ll be alright by Saturday. I’m walking around.”
While LaVine seems to think everything is just perfectly alright, a “pop” is never a good sign, especially for a guy two years removed from a torn ACL.
LaVine suffered that initial knee injury back in the 2016-17 campaign while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and was subsequently traded to Chicago in a deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves that ensuing summer. He played in just 24 games in his first year with the Bulls last season, averaging 16.7 points per game.
Up until Thursday evening, LaVine had looked very healthy this season. In 28 games thus far, the 23-year-old is averaging 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals over 35.3 minutes per game while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 32.6 percent from 3-point range.
LaVine, who played his collegiate basketball at UCLA, was originally selected by the Wolves with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. He played in 77 games during his rookie campaign, posting 10.1 points through 24.1 minutes a night.
Known for his acrobatic athleticism, Zach LaVine is a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, originally putting everyone on notice with a jaw-dropping performance in 2015.
The Bulls are currently 6-23, good for the worst record in the Eastern Conference. They will stay on the road to take on the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night.
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