Bulls weigh Ivey’s status after knee progress, monitor key contributors
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The Chicago Bulls are still unsure whether guard Jaden Ivey will suit up again this season, but team officials say the 22-year-old is moving in the right direction. According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, Ivey recently completed a workout with the Windy City Bulls and could join the NBA club for a practice session on Sunday.
Head coach Billy Donovan said medical staff remain “really optimistic” that Ivey will regain the leg strength lost to a lingering left-knee issue. “Strength doesn’t necessarily come back just like that,” Donovan noted, adding that the organization wants to know whether a full offseason will restore the guard’s explosive style.
Ivey arrived from Detroit at February’s trade deadline but appeared in only four games before being shut down. He stayed in Chicago for treatment during a 10-day road trip and will enter restricted free agency this summer if the Bulls extend a qualifying offer. Donovan indicated any late-season return will depend on continued strength gains.
Injury updates
Forward Patrick Williams logged minutes Friday after sitting out six of the previous seven contests with a sprained left ankle. Center Jalen Smith, still dealing with a calf strain, missed the second half of the back-to-back.
Record-setting night for Giddey
Josh Giddey posted his 29th career triple-double Friday, moving past Michael Jordan on the franchise’s all-time list. “Anytime your name is mentioned with players like that, it’s pretty special,” the third-year guard said.
Buzelis finds scoring groove
Second-year forward Matas Buzelis has emerged as a steadier offensive option since the All-Star break, highlighted by a career-best 41-point effort in Tuesday’s win at Golden State. “Good things will happen if you put in the work and believe in yourself,” he said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
