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After being previously ruled out for the rest of the season, Dwyane Wade could make a possible return before the playoffs, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. The Chicago Bulls shooting guard is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from a fractured right elbow.
The 35-year-old guard went through Wednesday's practice, including a full-contact scrimmage, and received quite positive reviews from both teammates and coaches.
“He went through part of the contact in practice today and he looked good,” head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “Guys were out there — a good, spirited workout. Dwyane was able to participate in a lot of the contact drills. The big thing for him right now is getting his conditioning and wind and timing back, but it was great to see him out there and part of our scrimmage.”
Budding star Jimmy Butler has been in constant touch with Wade and is eager to get his wing-mate back on the court with him.
“I see him out there playing basketball,” Butler said. “It's good to see him out there, obviously. But I just want him to come back whenever he knows he can go 100 percent, not hold back.”
When asked specifically if Wade may be able to play Saturday, Hoiberg remained noncommittal.
“It's still too early to tell,” Hoiberg said. “I think a big thing will be how he responds tomorrow with the increased workload.”
“Get another good conditioning workout tomorrow and then we'll go from there. We'll have another practice in New York on Friday and then see how he's doing.”
This might not be vintage Wade, but even at his limited capacity and at his age, the Chicago native is still able to change a game with his ability to score, make plays, and his veteran savvy.
The 6-foot-4 swingman is averaging a respectable 18.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game throughout 57 games in his first season with the Bulls.
