The injury-stricken Chicago Bulls could see a major piece return to action very soon.

Forward Mike Dunleavy is looking to return back to action at some point in February after being sidelined the whole season thus far recovering from back surgery.

Dunleavy will begin preparing for his return on Tuesday, as he is set to go through a controlled contact scrimmage. The 35 year-old signed a partially-guaranteed three-year deal in July prior to having surgery. The Bulls are in serious need for a shooting forward like Dunleavy to help on the offensive side. The sharpshooter also brings a lot of experience to help out his teammates on the floor.

"It's been awful from a personal standpoint," Dunleavy reflected. "I mostly feel bad for the organization, my teammates and coaches, not being there for them. I'm somebody who considers himself reliable, and not being there is the biggest thing for me.

"Backs are tricky. They have a mind of their own. It didn't go the way I wanted it to. But now I'm in a good spot, hopeful for what's coming ahead."

On the topic of what he's seen from the active squad so far this season, Dunleavy responded by saying "it's been up and down" and noting that there's "a lot of room for improvement."

"Coming off [a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers] Saturday night, hopefully we can finally turn the corner."

Dunleavy accelerated his activity in the month of November; He had hoped for a December return but suffered a setback that lengthened his rehabilitation process. He will be traveling with the team on their upcoming seven game road trip. Dunleavy seems confident in his return, as he feels he has put the work in to be ready. 

"The main thing is staying on top of the exercises and the maintenance stuff I've got to do for my back," he said. "I'm not really thinking, 'Oh, man, is this thing going to go on me?' I'm comfortable and confident."

Photo: Rocky Widner/Getty Images
Photo: Rocky Widner/Getty Images

Dunleavy has said his back is feeling "great". The 6-foot-9 swingman has been participating in non-contact practices for weeks. He is adjusting to new coach Fred Hoiberg's offensive fairly well. He has not traveled on the road with the team since November, so it will take him some time to adjust to the new changes Hoiberg has implemented as of late.

In 63 regular season games last season, Dunleavy averaged 9.4 points per game with a 43.5% field goal percentage and a 40.7% three-point conversion rate.

With Kirk Hinrich currently out and Derrick Rose dealing with ongoing injury woes, the Bulls need Dunleavy more then ever.He helps space the floor and adds an extra dimension that the team is lacking.

Hopefully, Dunleavy's plan to return to the floor goes as planned. That's all the Windy City faithful can hope.

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