SAN ANTONIO — Shawn Respert had a busy Saturday afternoon.
While the rest of the Bulls’ players and staff were taking on the Spurs, the gold standard of basketball, the director of player development was at the Advocate Center working out Zach LaVine and Nikola Mirotic.
Mirotic’s workout offered up the most news. The injured forward put up some shots for the first time since being punched by teammate Bobby Portis on Oct. 17, suffering two broken bones in his face and a concussion.
Coach Fred Hoiberg communicated with Respert to get news on both fronts.
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“[Mirotic] had a really good workout,” Hoiberg said. “He actually got on the floor and got some shots up.’’
Hoiberg reiterated that the focus is on Mirotic making progress in his rehab. The fact that he was shooting didn’t clear up a timetable for a return.
While Mirotic took a small step, the player who completely changed Mirotic’s season continued to impress Hoiberg.
After averaging 20.5 points and 12 rebounds in his first two games after an eight-game suspension, Portis again was instant energy off the bench against the Spurs. While the Bulls were getting blown out in the first half, Portis was one of the few highlights, simply trying to rally his teammates.
That’s what Hoiberg wants to see from the third-year pro. The numbers are nice, but it’s about the life that Portis brings off the bench.
“It shows he’s a kid that is going to come out and play fearless basketball,’’ Hoiberg said. “I’ve been impressed with the way that he’s come out. I thought there would be some nerves, some butterflies, but there’s been great energy, and that’s what we need from Bobby.’’
Portis reiterated he was glad to have so much support from his teammates since returning.
“It’s been nice to see my teammates happy for me,’’ Portis said. “It shows our togetherness, our brotherhood.’’
Bulls have no zip
Paul Zipser remained in the starting lineup, but Hoiberg admittedly needs to see more from the second-year pro.
Enough so that he had a talk with Zipser on Saturday.
“I feel like he’s really trying to press, which is human nature when you’re having struggles,’’ Hoiberg said. “I’m a guy that had struggles in this league, and it’s hard to get through it.
“It really is when you’re a low-confidence player. Just needs to have a game where he sees the ball go in the basket. Just do the little things — defending and rebounding. Just make simple plays. Paul had a great rookie year, and the big thing is to get him involved and get him playing well.’’
Denzel Valentine could replace Zipser in the lineup in the short term, but they both seem to be keeping that spot warm for when LaVine is ready to return.
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Email: jcowley@suntimes.com
