Satoransky returns to Bulls practice after quarantine
Quarantine finally ended for Bulls guard Tomas Satoransky. He returned to practice Tuesday at the Advocate Center and confirmed the issue was contact tracing.
He was out due to close contact with former Bulls forward Noah Vonleh, who tested positive for the coronavirus roughly 10 days ago and was since waived. Two-way player Devon Dotson also returned after a quarantine.
While Satoransky and Dotson were not with the team, the Bulls didn't give any official reason for their absence.
It sounds like those were the two players whose lockers were next to Vonleh's at the Advocate Center, but coach Billy Donovan didn't want to discuss any details.
"I'm just glad to be here, very glad," Satoransky said on a Zoom call with reporters. "It's kind of an early Christmas for me because I expected it to be tomorrow. Any day I can practice, it's great with this situation."
The quarantine was all about following NBA protocol, which are at times a work in progress. The league had it figured out for the Orlando bubble this summer, but this season obviously brings new challenges.
"Obviously it was annoying, it stunk, but I was negative to this point and I was able to come here and have a practice before the first game of the season," he said. "It was obviously tough for me because you are practicing and working hard for eight months and then this happens to you. I'm glad it was just preseason."
Satoransky played well in the preseason opener against Houston, finishing with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He sat out the other three preseason contests.
He doesn't expect to play a major role in Wednesday's regular-season opener against Atlanta, although he was able to do some conditioning at home during quarantine. Ryan Arcidiacono will probably continue to serve as the backup point guard, at least for this game.
"I wouldn't see anything positive out of it," Satoransky said of his time off. "It really tests you mentally and is another challenge you have to go through this season."