The Bulls open their season next week against the Knicks and then the Cavaliers. That means Jimmy Butler was going to draw Carmelo Anthony then LeBron James (at least for key stretches of the game).
Which makes this really bad news.
Butler sprained thumb will have him out for the rest of the preseason and maybe the start of the season, the Bulls announced Tuesday.
Bulls guard Jimmy Butler sustained an injury to his left thumb against Charlotte on Monday night. Subsequent examinations and an MRI...
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 21, 2014
...confirmed a sprain of thumb ligaments. Butler will not practice this week and will not play in Chicago’s final preseason game against...
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 21, 2014
...the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will be re-evaluated after that.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 21, 2014
If Butler is out feisty veteran Kirk Hinrich will get the start and we may see a little more Tony Snell than usual.
That’s not bad, and the Bulls are one of those teams that plugs guys in, plays physical team defense and doesn’t miss a step. But Hinrich is no Butler (well, except for the sweet goggles).
Hopefully Butler doesn’t miss much time. Too early in the season for all these injuries around the league.
