With the likes of Derrick Rose, Mike Dunleavy and Joakim Noah all nursing injuries, the Chicago Bulls' injury list will add another to the list as Nikola Mirotic will be out till after the All-Star break after he had an emergency appendectomy.
Bulls Injury Bug Continues
The Bulls started off shorthanded as it was announced that Mike Dunleavy was out following back surgery. Then injuries to Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol throughout the first half also affected the Bulls. Then Joakim Noah separated his shoulder and will likely be out for the rest of the season. The injury to Mirotic is just the latest injury to affect the Bulls.
Chicago will lose a bench player and a key one at that. Mirotic has struggled this year but had been picking up his play as of late. He was scoring 10.6 points per game and also pulled down about six rebounds per game. Chicago will miss his offensive game and three-point shooting. He had a fantastic game against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday where he had 17 points, six rebounds and knocked down three three-pointer's in 25 minutes of action.
Bobby Portis will likely get a huge spike in playing time. The rookie is a fan favorite and brings a ton of energy to the court. He may not be as good of a shooter but he makes up for it on defense and with effort.
Chicago's Trade Plans in Flux
This injury could completely change up Chicago's trade approach as we head towards the deadline. With a lack of big men suddenly, Chicago could choose not to make any moves before the trade deadline.
Joakim Noah's injury affected the Bulls as he was probably the most likely big man to get traded, and his value was probably the highest out of any Bull. Also considering that Chicago is likely heading towards taking a chance of re-signing Pau Gasol in the offseason, and will likely not trade him as well. Now with Mirotic out as well, most teams won't want the second-year man in a package deal.
Chicago's front court depth was an issue in the beginning of the season and now it may be a blessing.