Dunn returns, plans to play in Rising Stars game
Kris Dunn returned Wednesday after missing 11 games with a concussion, suffered in the brutal face-first fall against Golden State on Jan. 17.
Now that he has returned to the basketball court, Dunn is planning to participate in the Rising Stars game at all-star weekend in Los Angeles.
"I'm really doing it all for my family," Dunn said at Wednesday's shootaround. "Just allow them to have that experience, allow them to have fun. My sisters, they're young. So they might see some celebrities out there. That's what they've been talking about. So it's all about the family."
Dunn seemed to suggest the all-star trip was a reward for his family sticking with him through a rough rookie season in Minnesota, when he played sparingly behind Ricky Rubio.
"Last year was a tough year for me and my family," Dunn said. "But I don't try to worry about what the outsiders say. I know what happened. I know my game. It was just about putting the work in in the summer. I think I did that.
"I've got a great support system. They were with me throughout the tough times in Minnesota. For Chicago to let me come in and hug me with open arms, it was a good feeling."
While sidelined with the concussion, Dunn couldn't do any physical activity. So conditioning is one of the biggest concerns as he returns to the court. Dunn graded his level of conditioning at somewhere from B to C-minus.
Dunn started Wednesday against Toronto and played the opening 5:32 of the first quarter. He didn't appear squeamish, driving to the basket and drawing a foul during his first stint back on the floor.
Valentine plans perfect date:
Denzel Valentine came up with something special for Valentine's Day. A few days ago, he announced on his Instagram page a contest giving a Chicago couple the chance to win a perfect date night.
The winners received pregame dinner, gift card, complimentary ride-sharing transportation, tickets to Wednesday's game, a postgame meet-and-greet with Valentine, along with a spot on the Kiss-Cam.
Bulls horns:
Coach Fred Hoiberg said he planned to spend all-star weekend watching Michigan State play Northwestern at Allstate Arena on Saturday.
Hoiberg's son Jack is a freshman walk-on at MSU, and a couple of Spartans - center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges - are possibilities to be drafted by the Bulls. … Newcomer Noah Vonleh was active for Wednesday's game.