advertisement

Portis returns to practice, but healing will take time for Bulls

The Bulls took the first step in an awkward process Friday.

While trying to prepare for Saturday's home opener against San Antonio, the Bulls also have to find a way to get past the practice altercation that sent forward Nikola Mirotic to the hospital with a concussion and facial fractures.

Bobby Portis, suspended eight games for throwing the punch that caused those injuries, returned to practice Friday. While Portis did not speak to reporters, guard Justin Holiday talked about trying to help the team recover from a situation he has never experienced.

“He's our teammate and we're glad he's back working out with us, and we're praying and hoping for a speedy recovery for Niko so he can get back out there with us, too,” Holiday said.

The Bulls held a film session and light practice at the Advocate Center the day after losing their season opener 117-110 at Toronto. Coach Fred Hoiberg said Portis had already apologized to teammates for the altercation at Tuesday's practice.

“Bobby came into today like Bobby,” Holiday said. “We're not quite sure what he's thinking mentally. We can't assume that. But he came in and when he got into practice he worked hard like he always does, and that's the most important for our team right now.”

Holiday was asked what it will take for Portis and Mirotic to be functioning teammates again. There will be time to figure it out since Mirotic may be sidelined 4-6 weeks.

“That's tough,” he said. “I think that's something those two are going to have to figure out. Obviously speaking to both of them, what I always say from my standpoint is you guys are our brothers. Again, we're here to support you two.

“Whichever way you guys are able to figure this out, do that, but I can't really say this is how you do it because one, I've never really been in that position personally myself, and two those are two different people than me. I just think I'm going to be here, our team is going to be here to support them, and hopefully that gets mended and that's figured out.”

When asked about Portis, Hoiberg steered the conversations toward game-related topics and how the Bulls need to teach Quincy Pondexter and Paul Zipser to play power forward. Tuesday's altercation removed two players from the lineup at the same position just two days before the regular-season opener.

“I've reached out to Niko through text and he's still sore,” Hoiberg said. “He's still very sore. But I think every day he'll get a little better.”

Holiday admitted he's seen teammates fight in practice plenty of times. But the severity of Mirotic's injuries make this a more difficult and delicate situation.

“They say sometimes you need time to heal,” Holiday said. “Again, we have to think about both situations in this. One guy is trying to get back healthy. And again, I don't know. I wish I did. I wish we could just fix this the right way, but that's not the case. I think it will take some time.”

Bulls scouting report

Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs at the United Center, 7 p.m. Saturday

TV: WGN

Radio: WLS 890-AM

Outlook: Kawhi Leonard won't play because of a quad strain, but even without their all-star forward, San Antonio took care of Tom Thibodeau, Jimmy Butler and the Timberwolves 107-99 on Wednesday. PF LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs in that one with 25 points and 10 rebounds. PG Dejounte Murray, starting for the injured Tony Parker, added 16 points. The Spurs now have two ex-Bulls in the rotation, C Pau Gasol and PF Joffrey Lauvergne. The Bulls have a two-game win streak in home openers and have won three straight against the Spurs at the United Center.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Holiday relishing chance to be Bulls' go-to scorer

Is there room for Felder in Bulls' crowded point guard rotation?

Breaking down the 2017-18 Chicago Bulls roster

Bulls plan to start Markkanen in season opener

Chicago Bulls suspend Bobby Portis for 8 games for punching teammate

Short-handed Bulls can't keep up with Raptors

Bulls' coach Hoiberg praises Markkanen's footwork

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.