Bulls: Mike Dunleavy out 8-10 weeks after back surgery

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In a surprise before training camp, the Bulls announce forward Mike Dunleavy will miss the next 8-10 weeks after undergoing lower back surgery.

Dunleavy, who signed a three-year deal with the Bulls this summer after spending the last two with the franchise, was experiencing discomfort in his back that apparently worsened and non-surgical treatment wasn’t satisfactory.

Dunleavy underwent what the Bulls called a “low back microdiscectomy” at Rush Medical Center. In the release from the team it stresses the medical staff took conservative measures before performing the surgery.

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Regardless, it looks as if Dunleavy will miss a considerable amount of time to start the season, and if the timetable is correct, the 35-year old will be slated to return sometime between Nov. 20-Dec. 4.

Dunleavy was a critical component to the starting unit the last two years, shooting nearly 40 percent from three and averaging 10.5 points per game. It opens the door for 2014 first-round pick Doug McDermott to receive more playing time in the meantime, and perhaps Tony Snell will get more minutes in a trickle-down effect.

Either way, the Bulls have battled injuries over the past few years, with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah being the notable players in the Tom Thibodeau era. Hopefully for their sake, this injury won’t signal the Fred Hoiberg era will have much of the same.

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