After playing just one game since returning from an ACL tear, Chicago Bulls forward Zach LaVine is already waxing poetic about the potential his team could have, per Sam Smith of Bulls.com.

“I think we can be really good,” said LaVine, who made three of four three pointers, including the first shot he attempted. “We can make a push and that's our job to do that. We can't control outside thoughts. We are ball players; we go out there, try to win. I think we're good. Growing and winning close games is something we are going to have to continue to do. Especially where we want to get (as) we start growing together and when we get to that point, where we need to be in the playoffs (and) going to be contending for things. Growing and getting better every game.”

To be fair, Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn both had stellar performances in that game — a close win over the Detroit Pistons. And, the Bulls have actually been winning games lately. They're winners of two consecutive games and are .500 in their last 10.

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Still, the Bulls have 11 games under .500 overall, but they're trending in the right direction. So maybe LaVine has a point.

The Bulls are essentially in a rebuilding year after falling so far out of the playoff race early in the season. It's not likely that this team will make up being seven games behind in the loss column of the eighth spot in the playoff picture.

But with LaVine back and Dunn and Markkanen rising, things look bright for Chicago's immediate future.