Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen will miss two to four weeks with a sprained right shoulder, the team announced on its website. Markkanen underwent an MRI that showed a sprain to the acromioclavicular joint, which is located at the top of the shoulder.
Markkanen suffered the injury in the first quarter of Friday’s game against Orlando when he collided with Gary Clark on a drive to the basket. He tried to play through it, but left the game for good in the third quarter.
Markkanen, 23, was off to a career-best start, averaging 19.1 points and 6.1 rebounds through 14 games. His shooting numbers have improved significantly from a year ago — 51.4% from the field and 39.6% from 3-point range after posting 42.5% and 34.4% in 2019/20.
He will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer after the Bulls opted not to give him a contract extension before the season began.
Lauri & WCJ tend to get injured every year and it’s hurt their development and it’s hurt the team. Throw in Otto Porter’s bad body and it’s usually a MASH unit in Chicago. It’s only a matter of time Chandler Hutchinson gets hurt in practice or something. Least Kris Dunn is someone else’s injury problem.
From Hoops Rumors, four minutes ago:
“Bulls guard Chandler Hutchison is out indefinitely due to personal reasons, Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago tweets.”
Trade him already. He is made of glass and this is a big boys’ game. Package him, Porter, Thad somewhere to absorb a bad contract and get a pick or two. Get a real pg in the draft and see what you can do with youngsters who stay healthy and a good coach.
I suspect Denzel Valentine is about due for his annual DL visit too, so trade him too and just give guys who can play a whole season a chance. WCJ at this point is borderline but you have to wonder why this team has had this problem continually. No Thibs overwork to blame for some time now, maybe a review of conditioning is in order.
That “collision” btw was not anything that doesn’t happen a dozen times or more every NBA game. He is either fragile/unconditioned, or clumsy, this sort of injury has been continual.
Don’t wish Markkanen bad luck but considering what is happening maybe this is for the best. This season the Bulls aren’t going anywhere anyway. Markkanen’s injury may push down his bargaining power when the season is over. Markkanen is a RFA contractually. The Bulls should play their young players such as Williams, White, Gafford and Hutchinson extensively to find out if these players are good or just ordinary at best. Obviously Williams has great potential but IMO the rest of the young players White, Carter, Gafford and Hutchinson it remains to be seen if they are just average or even less. Plus the Bulls can indirectly tank a little for a better first round draft pick.
How could anyone get a real evaluation of this team? They have been so limited in playing together due to injuries. They have been both horrible and shown flashes of potential in limited games.
I don’t think you can go forward with both Wendell and Lauri on this roster. You can’t have two starting guys showing an inability to stay healthy
Your point is well taken. Can’t argue. LM and WCJ have been hurt every season. But at this point in time, LM and WCJ are still young and don’t cost the Bulls much yet. So the Bulls can bide their time and see if the two players have better luck with avoiding injuries.
The problem is Lauri will start making real money next year. Maybe you get him cheap due to the injuries, but I doubt it. I like Lauri over Wendell as a player, but it matters how the roster is constructed around them.
Imagine the Bulls will approach Markkanen’s contract situation the same way as when LaVine was a RFA a few years ago. The Bulls can just wait and see what other teams offer. The way I understand the situation is that the Bulls can just match whatever other teams offer.
Injuries jut keep coming this yr.
Are any of us surprised anymore? He is softer than two ply. I saw the play and he was trying to back down the defender and used his shooting side to back him down. That’s not his game, especially against guys who are more physical than you. He has no IQ whatsoever and also his RFA deal better not be made by AK. This actually helps us tank even more. Also it will drive Thad Young trade value possibly to a late 1st rounder. Originally I had Young’s value as 2 2nd round picks, but more PT will change that. Looks like LaVine PPG will go up as well, making him more likely to get deal Bc he is only owed $19M next year compared to others like Beal.
dam this years injuries r getting out of control. first nurkic, then nance, and now lauri? lmao at least we’re gunna get more chances to see young showcase his skills before he gets dumped