Prior to the two-game opening night slate tipping off Tuesday, some pretty damning news broke out of Chicago. Bulls teammates, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis, were involved in a fight at practice that sent the former to the hospital.
It was a stunning development for a Bulls team that went through a ton of drama during an offseason in which the team moved on from former All-Stars Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler.
After apparently suffering two broken bones in his face and a concussion in the fight, the Bulls are now indicating that Mirotic will miss the next 4-6 weeks of action.
“We anticipate Niko being out 4-6 weeks, but needs to clear concussion protocol.” – John Paxson
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 18, 2017
Obviously, this is a major on-court blow for what promises to be a rebuilding Bulls team. The 26-year-old Mirotic is Chicago’s top returning scorer from a season ago. Him and Portis were slated to play a vital role in the rebuild.
For his part, Portis has been suspended eight games by the team for his role in the fight.
Bulls suspend Portis 8 games.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 18, 2017
Though, it’s readily apparent that the Bulls’ brass is throwing its support behind both players involved in the fight on Tuesday.
“We have to support our players and we will” – John Paxson
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 18, 2017
This is most definitely not a good way to start the 2017-18 season. Chicago opens up its season against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.