The Chicago Bulls will be that much healthier when they tip-off Preseason Game 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night.
According to head coach Billy Donovan, both Derrick Jones Jr. and Marko Simonovic practiced in full with the team on Thursday. Tony Bradley remained sidelined.
Donovan said Derrick Jones & Marko Simonovic practiced today, Tony Bradley (back) did not. #Bulls preseason Game 2 is tomorrow
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHSports) October 7, 2021
Derrick Jones Jr. and Marko Simonovic participated fully in practice, per Donovan.
Tony Bradley still out.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 7, 2021
Jones, Bradley, and Simonovic were all surprise additions to the injury report ahead of the preseason opener. Jones was dealing with ankle soreness, Bradley was experiencing tightness, and Simonovic jammed his thumb in some post-shootaround work. Donovan told reporters before the game that all injuries appeared rather minor, commenting that Jones and Bradley should “probably be back soon.”
Considering back injuries can always be a bit pesky, it’s not too surprising to see Bradley’s brief recovery take a bit longer. Not to mention, it’s the offseason, and I’m sure the coaching staff has no rush to get him on the floor.
If Bradley does miss tomorrow’s game, it would open the door for this organization to get a good look at Simonovic. Likewise, Jones is expected to be a key contributor off the bench this season, and this will be our first look at how he can positively impact the Bulls’ weaker frontcourt.