The Chicago Bulls are beefing up their roster amid injury woes with a familiar face — Javonte Green has inked a 10-day contract to don the Bulls uniform once more. According to information provided by the Chicago Tribune, the seventh-year wing rejoined the team as depth continues to be a concern with teammates Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine sidelined for the season.
During his previous stint with the team, Green notched 113 games over three seasons. Although last season was cut short due to a knee injury, limiting his play to just 32 games, his signing has brought a bout of nostalgia and exactly what the doctor ordered for the Bulls' current roster strain. "I’ll just go out there and be myself," Green mentioned in an interview obtained by NBC Sports Chicago.
Green's comeback was not enough to turn the tide for the Bulls in Saturday's 124-113 loss to an undermanned Boston Celtics at the United Center. The Celtics managed to complete a sweep of the season series despite missing Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. Green, who watched the game from the bench, might see time on the court if the Bulls snag a spot in the first round of the playoffs through the play-in tournament, potentially setting the stage for a rematch against the Celtics.
A heartwarming reunion prefaced Green's return two weeks before in San Francisco when he waited to greet coach Billy Donovan postgame, resulting in an emotional embrace. The moment was a precursor to the warmth he would feel re-entering the fray with his old squad. "I just felt the love," Green recalled, reflecting on the support from his former mates and summing up the sentiment of his return to the Windy City as chronicled by the Chicago Tribune.
Whether or not Green can recapture the high-octane performances of his past Bulls tenure remains to be seen. What's clear is his determination to leverage this 10-day stint into a larger role. After an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in January 2023 and rehab stints in the G League, Green has shown resolve to prove his mettle. "I already knew the steps I had to take to get back to the NBA," he stated, demonstrating his unwavering confidence and readiness to jump back into the fray. His previous ability to galvanize his team through electric defensive plays and dunks is just what the Bulls could use as they push through the latter part of their season.
