View image | gettyimages.comBulls forward Mike Dunleavy suffered an injury to his back this offseason and will miss some time away from his regular basketball schedule. Although the season is still a few weeks away, Dunleavy and the Bulls seem to be on different pages about his return time.
The veteran wing man told ESPN’s Nick Friedell that he’d like to return as soon as possible, but he just doesn’t know how soon is possible.
Obviously I was disappointed to have to get this surgery, Dunleavy said. As far as the time frame, I think they released to you guys 8-10 weeks. I really don’t have a time frame on it. I’m coming back when I feel good enough, the doctors have cleared me, I have no idea. Hopefully, that will be this season. There is an issue with recurrence with these types of things. So it’s just all about being safe about it, taking the proper steps, and hopefully being back sooner than later. But to put an absolute date on it, or if I’m not back in 8-10 weeks, it’s not going to be the end of the world.
Joe Cowley first reported that the team said he’ll miss 8-10 weeks, but Dunleavy isn’t quite sold on that time frame.
Last season, he averaged 9.4 points per game and a 11.60 player efficiency rating for the Bulls. According to Friedell, Dunleavy and Taj Gibson are the only Chicago players entering the season with minute restrictions.
