Nikola Mirotic out at least 3 weeks after appendectomy

Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic will miss at least three weeks after having an appendectomy on Wednesday, the team announced.

Mirotic was diagnosed with an acute appendicitis and had surgery at Rush University Medical Center.

The Bulls’ second-year player, who is averaging 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds, was just chosen to play for the World Team in the Rising Stars Challenge at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Feb. 12-14.

The Bulls said he is expected to return after the All-Star break.

Mirotic’s absence adds to the Bulls’ depth problems. Joakim Noah (shoulder) is likely out for the rest of the season; Mike Dunleavy (back) is hoping to come back in February; Kirk Hinrich (quad) has been sitting; and, Derrick Rose (hamstring, back) has been nursing some nagging injuries.