Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010
Updated 1:45 p.m.
By Aggrey Sam
CSNChicago.com
On a day where league-wide focus is on LeBron James much-anticipated return to Cleveland on Thursday night, all eyes in the Windy City are on the Bulls, specifically whether Carlos Boozer makes his season and team debut Wednesday evening at the United Center.
After Mondays practice, Boozers first full-contact session since suffering a broken fifth metacarpal on Oct. 2, the prized offseason acquisition indicated he was optimistic he would suit up against the visiting Magic -- he even made reference to the shellacking the Bulls received in Orlando during the preseason -- on Wednesday. After Tuesdays practice, however, the two-time All-Star tried to temper expectations.
Its still a little sore. I may or may not play Wednesday, but Im hoping this week or this weekend, cautioned Boozer. I feel close.
When its ready, Ill be out there. ... Well just see how it feels, he added. It got hit yesterday, so it was a little sore today. Look, guys -- Ill be out there when Im out there. You guys will know. Hang in there. If you have any questions about Orlando, we can rap about Orlando, but when my hands ready, you guys will know about it.
Despite Boozer emphasizing patience to the media, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau was more optimistic.
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Well see how it goes Wednesday, but I cant foresee any problems, he said, adding a decision would be made after Boozer warmed up prior to Wednesdays game, which is standard practice for Bulls dealing with injury issues. If hes not having any problems and as long as hes comfortable, were ready to get started.
Boozer gives you a guy you can run pick-and-roll with, you can post him up and we want to be an inside-out team," continued Thibodeau, who also praised Boozers underrated passing ability. "In order to be successful, you have to be well-balanced. We have a great pick-and-roll game with Derrick already. Carlos will only add to it and now well have a stronger low-post game. When you hit him in the post and you cut, if youre open, hes a very willing passer.
Aside from his on-court contributions, Bulls center Joakim Noah also thinks Boozer has added to the teams chemistry.
Carlos is a good dude, said Noah. Hes been on every road trip with us, hes been at every practice. Hes a good leader, hes a good vet to have around and hes definitely going to help us when he steps onto that court.
Whether that day is Wednesday or not, Boozer is chomping at the bit to make his Bulls debut.
I want to play in the worst way. I hate sitting out and I think our whole team is like that. we all want to win. I just want to be out there and be part of it, said Boozer. Im very anxious. Im looking forward to getting out there.
Aggrey Sam is CSNChicago.coms Bulls Insider. Follow him @CSNBullsInsider on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bulls information and his take on the team, the NBA and much more.