Bulls guard Zach LaVine ahead of schedule in ACL recovery

Coming back from a torn ACL, Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine says he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery.

The big move on NBA draft night sent Jimmy Butler and a draft pick from the Chicago Bulls to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Guard Zach LaVine, guard Kris Dunn and a draft pick went to the Bulls, as they appear committed to rebuilding.

LaVine was in the midst of a breakout season with the Timberwolves last year, before suffering a torn left ACL in early February. The two-time Slam Dunk champion averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game over his 47 games, while making nearly 39 percent of his 3-pointers with notably increased volume (6.6 attempts per game).

LaVine looks like a potential centerpiece for Chicago’s youth movement, and team president John Paxson has said the ream will exercise caution in his return to action. But it’s been all optimism from LaVine’s camp, and he thinks he’ll be ready for training camp.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune has added to the idea the Bulls will be conservative with LaVine, while not totally ruling out a return in time for camp.

By the time the season starts, LaVine will be just over eight months removed from his injury. It’s virtually certain he will not be at full capacity, and a minutes limit will be in order if he is even deemed able to play early in the season. While a torn ACL is not a career-ender by any means, it will require LaVine to adjust to the possibility he won’t be quite as explosive as he was. He showed signs he can be more than a high-flier that puts on a show with dunks, but an injury can change things with physical limitations in play and an adjustment mentally.

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A player being optimistic about an injury is nothing new. But LaVine’s timeline to return will be driven by the Bulls, whether he likes it or not.