After revealing on Monday night that he has been dealing with discomfort in his right hip and leg for a significant portion of the season, Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan underwent an MRI on Tuesday and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 thigh strain, writes K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
DeRozan will miss Wednesday’s game in Indiana, but the team hasn’t ruled him out for Thursday vs. Milwaukee and he said he still intends to take part in All-Star festivities this weekend, according to Johnson.
“I don’t think it’s significant. But we’ll see how he progresses and how he feels,” head coach Billy Donovan said. “He knows his body well. He’s always very conscientious about taking care of it. We hope with treatment and how diligent he is, he’ll progress. But there’s enough discomfort there for him where he’s having a hard time moving and cutting and jumping.”
DeRozan said on Monday that he wasn’t sure when he originally suffered the injury, but that it cropped up about “10 games” before the January 9 contest vs. Boston, which he exited due to a right quad strain, per Jamal Collier of ESPN.
“When I’m sitting doing nothing, I don’t feel anything,” DeRozan said. “It’s just when I do anything to work that muscle in my leg, it’s just a lot of discomfort. So just trying to figure that out, get that situated the best I can.”
Here’s more out of Chicago:
- According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report on his #thisleague UNCUT podcast, Donovan has conveyed to Russell Westbrook that Chicago would be the best place for him if he negotiates a buyout with Utah (hat tip to FOX Sports Radio). Asked about the possibility of Westbrook becoming a Bull, Donovan couldn’t speak openly about the possibility due to tampering rules, but expressed respect for the former MVP, whom Donovan coached in Oklahoma City (link via NBC Sports Chicago). “Like I’ve said before, you go into a locker room before a game and you’re not worried about whether or not he’s ready to play,” Donovan said. “Every game.”
- K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago describes the Bulls’ reported interest in Westbrook as “legitimate” and says the team has also had conversations with Patrick Beverley‘s camp. John Wall is another possible point guard target to monitor, Johnson adds.
- In a Q&A with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Nikola Vucevic spoke about his contract situation, the Bulls’ struggles this season, and his career goals going forward. Regarding his next contract, Vucevic – who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer – said that money, the comfort of his family, and an ability to contend will be the three primary considerations that factor into his decision.
I said before if the Bulls think Westbrook is going to lead them on a run to the Playoffs they are in a word delusional. I think I’d rather take a shot with Wall than Westbrook. Also hilarious that the idiots who kept saying that the Bulls should trade Derozan for him now face reality that they could get him for absolutely nothing. Proof DRUGS ARE BAD!
I don’t know if it is really about that. The Bulls are boring and dead in the water. Might as well shake things up.
How did he “convey” that? Any insinuation could be construed as tampering. He’s under contract and staying in Utah is the best thing for him if he doesn’t want to give back any money. Utah and Chicago are virtually in the same place re the play-ins.
I thought the same thing, but apparently Utah has given Westbrook permission to speak with teams, so it would nullify tampering of that type.
Vucevic says money is one of his 3 priorities for a new contract this summer!
Darn it’s nice to actually see a player speak the truth! Nothing about being respected or taking his game to a new venue!!
The bulls blew it again they made no moves to improve
Honestly if the Bulls picked up Love and Wall they might be better, but still where do they go from there? They need youngsters to get more shooting opportunities, and no buyouts except Pat Bev would increase the number of shots available.
Better to tank and hope for the best.