Hutchison joins Bulls' endless injury list
Did anyone get the feeling it's been too long since the Bulls had a significant injury? No?
Well, it happened anyway. The Bulls announced Saturday that rookie forward Chandler Hutchison will spend the next 2-4 weeks in a walking boot and be reevaluated next month after the all-star break.
Hutchison delivered his best game of the season Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, producing his first career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulls say he suffered an acute injury to a sesamoid bone in his right foot in the previous game against Atlanta. Hutchison showed no signs of distress during or after Friday's contest.
But that's how things have gone for the Bulls this season. Fellow rookie Wendell Carter Jr. just had thumb surgery last Monday, which is likely season-ending.
This season became a lost cause for the Bulls long ago, when they began with injuries to Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine. But it's a shame Hutchison will have to take a month off when he's been showing some nice improvement. Zach LaVine brought compliments after the Clippers game.
"Hutch played great, offensively and defensively," LaVine said. "He pushes the ball in transition, he makes those little intangible plays, he guards the best dudes sometimes, takes charges. He's out there hustling. He's growing like every game. You guys can see it, his confidence."
It's anyone's guess what will happen at the small forward spot. Carmelo Anthony is on the Bulls roster, but is not expected to join the team, let alone suit up for a game. They could try again with Jabari Parker at small forward, use a three-guard set with more minutes for Antonio Blakeney, or call up one of the two-way players, Rawle Alkins or Brandon Sampson. Until they do something with Anthony, the Bulls do not have an open roster spot.