The punch heard 'round the basketball world cost Bulls forward Bobby Portis the first eight games of this season.
But will Portis' punishment for fracturing teammate Nikola Mirotic's face during practice Oct. 17 be enough?
Portis is eligible to return from suspension Tuesday, but Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg left the door open Saturday that that door might remain closed then.
"We'll see," Hoiberg said when asked whether Portis would play Tuesday when the Bulls face the Raptors in Toronto. "He has been practicing, so we'll see how tonight goes. Get a couple of good days of practice and take it from there."
Hoiberg said Mirotic had contact with some teammates Saturday, when he worked out at the Advocate Center, but didn't specify with whom or for how long.
Mirotic's stance about not wanting to play with Portis hasn't changed publicly.
Portis has been traveling and practicing with the team during his suspension.
Hoiberg said Mirotic has been increasing his workload, especially on a stationary bike, and Saturday he began doing some rehab in a pool.
"Still not doing anything on the court," Hoiberg said. "The important thing is he's making progress and he's in good spirits."
Portis apologized publicly four days after the incident, which gave Mirotic a concussion and two facial fractures, and cost him up to two months of the season. Portis hasn't spoken to reporters since.
