USA/ARG - Skiles cautious over Nocioni return

CHICAGO (NBA) - Argentina forward Andres Nocioni has declared himself fit to return for the Chicago Bulls in Friday's game against the New Jersey Nets - but his coach is not so sure.

Nocioni has missed 27 of the last 28 Bulls games with a right foot injury but confidently said this week: "I'm going to play this Friday."

The 27-year-old Olympic champion took part in his first full shootaround with the team before Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons and suffered no pain.

"I probably could [have played against the Pistons], but we want to wait a little more and work with the team a little more," Nocioni said in the Chicago Tribune. "I think I can play some minutes Friday. Not too many, but some."

But while he may be encouraged by Nocioni's enthusiasm, coach Scott Skiles is not yet ready to consider the player fully recovered.

"His personality doesn't lend itself to easing back into a situation, which is good," Skiles said. "He's going to want to get right back out there and go 100 miles per hour. If we can get him some game minutes before the play-offs, I'd take that."

Skiles' caution is easy to understand. Nocioni has attempted an early comeback before, but ultimately delayed his full return by playing on February 22 against the Cavaliers.

"Right now it's zero pain, so the difference is huge," Nocioni added. "When I played in Cleveland, I had a lot of pain. I couldn't do anything. I'm working really hard to try to get in shape because I think I can help my team in the play-offs."

However, the bubbly Argentinian did admit he has a few question marks remaining.

"I don't know what is going to happen when I start to play," he said. "Running the treadmill isn't the same. You need to push your body - jump, run, stop, change direction. It's really different. But I think I'm going to be okay."

FIBA