Deng tests leg, still feels pain

MIAMI — Before the Bulls’ shootaround this morning at American Airlines Arena, forward Luol Deng tested his injured right leg, and the results were not encouraging.

“He ran on the treadmill a little this morning,” Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. “He didn’t feel real good, so he’s kind of just day-to-day.

“We’ll get him as much therapy and as much work as he can do and tolerate and get him healthy as quick as possible.”

Of course, Deng has been “day-to-day” for more than a week with an injury that has been termed a mild stress fracture or a contusion of the right tibia. The biggest concern right now is the injury doesn’t seem to be improving despite aggressive treatment, which has included electric stimulation.

Deng was out of sight by the time the media was allowed onto the court following the shootaround, but a source said he was visibly down.

If the injury doesn’t show improvement soon, the Bulls may have to consider another course of action. Surgery remains a possibility — and that would mean Deng would miss the rest of the season, including any possible playoff games.