Last week, the Bulls wrapped a month of January that was adverse for myriad reasons. In the first 31 days of the new year, the team played 17 games, posted a 6-11 record, and lost Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) and Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) for extended periods. Kris Dunn sprained his right MCL on the first day of February.
“It's been strange,” Jim Boylen said of now embarking on a substantially lighter February slate. “When you circle the calendar on a week like this, with three games in ten days or whatever it is, you envision your team being full strength, and practicing and getting better. So, it's not, it's the way it is. But we'll make the most of this time.”
The Bulls announced Tuesday morning that Dunn will be re-evaluated in two weeks after a period of immobilization and physical therapy. But that didn’t stop him from participating from the sideline.
“He [Dunn] sat in the chair over there during practice when we had the seven guys doing script and defense, and he was shouting out stuff and coaching guys and helping guys. He has embraced that part of it, and it’s powerful for us,” Boylen said. “We miss it on the floor; we miss it when he’s not with us traveling. Today he was very vocal, which was great. So there’s tangible things guys do and there are intangible things guys do. He’s got a full bag of both.”
Otto Porter Jr. was up and active — hoisting off-the-dribble and catch-and-shoot 3-pointers from all areas after practice. Boylen said Porter ran today, a development he called “a big step for him and us.” Porter hasn't seen game action since spraining his foot on Nov. 6.
“He wants it, he's trying,” Boylen said of Porter. “And our training staff is doing a great job of just trying to move these guys along without having a setback. So it's a difficult process for everybody, but it is the process.”
Porter remains without an exact timetable to return, and Markkanen is about a week-and-a-half into a four-to-six week recovery timeline. Carter was out shooting free throws as players and coaches trickled off the floor, but, according to the Bulls, isn’t expected back until at least after the All-Star break.
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Denzel Valentine was held out of Tuesday's practice with "hamstring tighness." Zach LaVine, Tomas Satoransky and Thad Young all also got days off because Boylen thought they "needed a day."
The Bulls play three games between now and Feb. 11, then get a nine-day break before returning on Feb. 20.
“We’re focused on playing good basketball into the break,” Boylen said. “But I do think it’s important for some guys to get away and recharge. And we will all try and do that.”
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