Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

By James D. Tillman III

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the game on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the game on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 25: Quincy Pondexter #20 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 25: Quincy Pondexter #20 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Quincy Pondexter played well following two-year absence

During the offseason, the Chicago Bulls acquired Quincy Pondexter, the Pelicans 2018 second-round pick, and cash considerations from New Orleans in exchange for the draft rights to Ater Majok. One of the caveats behind this transaction was Pondexter had not played in an NBA game in over two years due to multiple knee surgeries.

More from Hoops Habit

With that in mind, it wasn’t unreasonable to wonder what would Pondexter be able to contribute to the Bulls — if anything at all. But after overcoming a strained left hamstring during training camp, Pondexter was finally able to return to the court and things could not have gone much better than they did.

In 12 minutes of action, Pondexter scored eight points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field to go along with two rebounds and two steals – a solid outing for a guy who has been away from the court for such an extended period of time and nearly lost his life due to an infection.

"“I’m really really happy for Quincy,” Hoiberg told NBC Sports Chicago. “For a time there, his life was in danger with his infection. I know he’s really excited to get his career going again. I never got that opportunity to get back out there. I tell these guys to cherish it every day. You never know when it can end. All of a sudden. For Quincy to get this chance, it’s awesome.”"

Awesome indeed.

Home/Chicago Bulls