Valentine will have ankle surgery, miss remainder of season

The short-handed Bulls have one injured player who will not be coming back this season.

According to the Bulls, Denzel Valentine has been diagnosed with ongoing ankle instability. Valentine will have surgery on his left ankle next week, performed by Dr. Bob Anderson of Green Bay. After a recovery time of four to six months, Valentine is expected to be ready to return for the start of training camp next year.

Valentine did not play in the preseason or the regular season. He said he originally injured the ankle during a workout at the Advocate Center in early September. He tried to participate in the opening practice of training camp, but the injury hadn't healed and he took more time to rest. It appeared he was close to returning about a week ago, but had a setback, prompting further examination.

Valentine was the Bulls' first-round pick in 2016. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.1 rebounds last season, and was one of the team's better 3-point shooters at 38.6 percent. The Bulls already picked up his contract option for the 2019-20 season.