Boozer's Debut Close

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 30, 2010 4:00PM

Cleared by Bulls medical staff to resume full contact basketball activities, Bulls' power forward Carlos Boozer participated fully in the team's practice on Monday for the first time since breaking his fifth metacarpal bone in his hand on October 2. The All-Star signed as a free agent this summer may make his Bulls debut as early as tomorrow.

Already cleared by the team's medical staff, Boozer said that his return to the court is up to him. Coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed that the decision is Boozer's to make. With the Bulls hosting the Orlando Magic, who thoroughly manhandled the team in the preseason, Boozer is anxious to step onto the hardwood. "We haven't forgot," Boozer said. "That's why I brought it up." So we should expect to see him in his Bulls home whites tomorrow barring any setbacks.

And how will Boozer impact the Bulls, who posted their first winning "circus trip" since the Jordan era? With a 9-6 record against the league's toughest schedule to date, the Bulls can already claim a spot among the Eastern Conference's elite. Boozer will only improve the team. Because he's been learning the offense and working on non-contact drills he should be somewhat familiar with the Bulls first team. Said Boozer, "I've been going through the plays since I got my cast off about four weeks ago. I come here early, go through the plays with coaches and some players. Now that I've had the handcuffs off, I've been going through a lot more. So I'm very comfortable with the offense."

Taj Gibson, who's started in place of Boozer, will now bolster the second team. And another body on the front line will spell some additional rest for all — Luol Deng and Joakim Noah have logged heavy minutes thus far. The Bulls rank second in the NBA in rebounding and now add a guy to the line-up who has been among the league's best. The Bulls could develop one of the most productive front lines in the league with Joakim Noah, Deng and Boozer playing together. Add Boozer's ability to score in the post to Derrick Rose's ability to penetrate, and the Bulls might just be able to compete for the East's top spot come April. We're not ready to crown them conference champs just yet, but we've enjoyed watching this team play all season long and we can't wait to finally see that final piece join the line-up.