Bulls' Williams returns to full activity after ankle sprain
Bulls forward Patrick Williams scrimmaged Monday for the first time since suffering a severe left ankle sprain on Sept. 15.
The goal is to have him ready for the season opener in Detroit on Oct. 20, with a chance of making it back Friday for the preseason finale.
"He is progressing in that way," coach Billy Donovan said. "He'll have to continually be able to respond well to the work they're putting him in. I wouldn't say it's out of the question (to play Friday), but I also wouldn't say if he doesn't play, it's a setback."
The Bulls are hoping Williams takes a big step forward in his second season. He averaged 9.2 points as a rookie and is expected to start at power forward once he's healthy.
Guard Coby White, who had surgery on his left shoulder in June, is still rehabbing and expected to return in November. Donovan said the goal is for backup center Tony Bradley to return to practice Wednesday. Bradley has not played in preseason due to a back injury.
Windy City futures:
The Bulls released shooting guard Ethan Thompson and power forward Daniel Oturu on Monday. The team is hoping both players end up with the G-League's Windy City Bulls.
This move leaves 18 players on the preseason roster, and the Bulls still have their second two-way slot available.
LaVine optimistic:
Zach LaVine, after the Bulls won their third straight preseason game in Cleveland on Sunday:
"I do believe we have a really good team with really good guys. We're all unselfish. A lot of things have to go right in the NBA season. We all have to stay healthy, everything has to mesh, we have to be on the same page. But we can be something special because we're all hard workers and we care about each other."