March 24--Jimmy Butler returned from his left elbow injury against the Charlotte Hornets, but befitting this disjointed Bulls' season, Joakim Noah was a late scratch with general soreness.
"He feels good," coach Tom Thibodeau said of Butler.
Butler, who declined to address reporters through a team spokesperson, missed 11 games with the injury. The Bulls went 5-6.
"He's probably our best two-way player," Thibodeau said. "Anytime you get a guy like that back, it helps in all areas. It adds to the depth. It's good."
Thibodeau said Butler, who leads the NBA in minutes per game, wouldn't be restricted upon his return. Tony Snell would move into a reserve role.
Butler's imminent return had Noah so excited that he called the Bulls "the toughest team to beat in a seven-game series." The Bulls are coming off a loss at the Pistons in which they surrendered a 54-19 run to close the game.
The Bulls are 15-4 when they have their regular lineup intact. Derrick Rose remains out, but Butler's return would be big.
"He's a tough-minded player who plays to win," Noah said. "I think everyone does on this team, but Jimmy's a hell of a talent and he brings us toughness, which we need."
Rookie Cameron Bairstow also landed on the inactive list with an illness.
