Bulls Insider Says Zach LaVine Could Be Back Sooner Than Expected

Chicago Bulls fans have watched rookie Lauri Markkanen play well early on in the 2017-18 season, but they could be on the verge of watching another stud on the court soon. Zach LaVine, who has been sidelined because of a torn ACL that came back in February against the Detroit Pistons, hasn't suffered any setbacks during his rehab. The better news is that the 22-year-old shooting guard could be returning to action sooner than first anticipated. LaVine was eager to play, as the Bulls began their camp prior to the regular season, but was obviously patient, of course taking the advice from the team to not rush back. The original time table had LaVine scheduled to make his Bulls debut at some point in December, however NBC Sports Chicago reporter Vincent Goodwill believes it'll come a little earlier. Goodwill was on The Spiegel and Parkins Show on 670 The Score Friday morning and said the following about LaVine's return.

"I remember hearing that his timeline was to come back around Christmas, or a little bit before that. I wouldn't be surprised if he weren't back by the end of the month, somewhere around Thanksgiving. Not to necessarily rush him back or anything because I don't think the Bulls should. I don't think he would want to (rush back), especially with this year being tank-a-palooza, but I wouldn't be surprised if he weren't ready to play at least at some point by the end of the month." (Vincent Goodwill)

Before his injury, LaVine was averaging 18.9 points per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves on 45.9 percent shooting in 47 games. You might also remember him from the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which he won in 2015 and 2016. Obviously the biggest concern is how he will respond after the ACL injury, but there doesn't seem to be that big of a worry. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times was on the Bernstein and Goff Show on Friday and he was pretty optimistic that LaVine will return to the court with the same explosiveness. There's also the fact that LaVine just signed a $35 million shoe deal with Adidas. Pretty sure they've done their own tests and research on LaVine to assure themselves that not only is he coming back and will be a big part of the Bulls future, but that he'll be healthy and step up as his career continues. If Goodwill is correct in his estimation of LaVine's return, it would point to about the last week of November. The Bulls finish the month with four games against the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. The matchups against the Heat and Suns will be at home (Nov. 26, 28) so maybe LaVine makes his Bulls debut at the United Center? Let's hope so because as painful as it is to watch the Bulls this year, it would get a little more exciting watching Markkanen with another legitimate threat in LaVine next to him.