Some rust was expected once Bulls backup center Zach Collins returned from injury, and it didn’t take long to notice Friday night.
Making his season debut against the visiting Pacers, Collins — who needed surgery after hurting his left wrist in the preseason — checked in with 5:10 left in the first quarter with the Bulls up 19-12. Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson quickly scored on a dunk, then scored again, drawing an and-one from Collins.
He hit a three-pointer from the corner during his first stint of five-plus minutes, but it was obvious he’s not 100% in his game conditioning and timing. And while the Bulls’ dwindling lead in the quarter wasn’t necessarily his fault, it did occur on his watch.
That said, considering the heavy workload that starting center Nikola Vucevic has been handling, and with reserve Jalen Smith (hamstring) still out, anything Collins could offer was welcomed, especially with his minutes capped around 20.
He finished with eight points and six rebounds in 20:34.
“I think [he’s] just another body with Jalen being out,” coach Billy Donovan said before the game. “[Rookie Lachlan Olbrich] has done a nice job coming up from Windy City — he has helped out some. We have played a little bit small with Patrick [Williams]. Just some size [with Collins].
“I always think it’s challenging for a player like Zach, who has been out so long. It’s his first game back, and there’s only so much you can do with practice and those types of things. But having him back, his presence, is always a positive thing. Now, how long it takes him to get back into the flow of things, we’ll see.”
As is the case for several Bulls players, this is an important season for Collins because of his contract expiring in June. Both he and Vucevic will be unrestricted free agents next summer. With no other true big men with starting experience on the roster, could the Bulls look to move one of them sooner? Lock up one with an extension? Or part ways with both and explore the market? A lot could come down to how each plays, as well as where the Bulls end up in the standings in the coming months.
Coby and his calves
Guard Coby White (team-high 22 points) was back in the lineup on guarded minutes (26½) after missing the last three games with a strained left calf. He missed the first 11 games of the season after straining his right calf in August while working out.
Recovery week
In addition to Smith still being sidelined, guard Ayo Dosunmu missed Friday’s game with a sprained right thumb. Guards Kevin Huerter (adductor), Tre Jones (ankle) and Isaac Okoro (back) also did not play.
After their game Sunday at home against the Warriors, the Bulls will be off until they face the Hornets in Charlotte next Friday. That’s a lot of time for those with injuries to heal up and possibly get some practices in.
“The schedule comes when it comes,” Donovan said. “Whether it’s travel or density of games, there are times it’s going to be challenging, and then there are times when it opens up a little bit, but you just have to deal with it.
“Maybe [the coming week] is a time for us to get healthier.”