Injuries and illness are stealing depth from the Chicago Bulls frontcourt. The team announced Nikola Mirotić underwent an appendectomy that “went as expected” and should return after the All-Star break.
Mirotić joins Joakim Noah, who is out for the season after dislocating his shoulder, on the injured list. It’s an unfortunate development for the Bulls and Mirotić, but his absence will give a rookie a multi-week chance to showcase his rapid development.
Bobby Portis, an energetic power forward, will assume a larger role throughout the upcoming seven-game road trip.
After appearing in just four of Chicago’s first 24 games, Portis tallied 20 points and 11 rebounds when Pau Gasol received a night off. That impressive showing earned him a regular — albeit small — spot in the rotation.
Including that explosive day, Portis has checked in to 20 consecutive outings. He’s averaged 15.6 minutes, 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds during this stretch, shooting 43.1 percent from the floor.
However, there’s no denying the rookie has struggled. Although Portis’ effort is never a problem, the execution can be. Additionally, first-year coach Fred Hoiberg has sometimes been reluctant to use Portis, instead relying on Gasol, Taj Gibson and Mirotić to anchor the frontcourt.
Mirotić’s injury will change that. Portis isn’t a perfect replacement, but he’s undoubtedly the No. 1 option over Cameron Bairstow and Cristiano Felicio.
If the initial projection is correct, Chicago will be without Mirotić for eight games, which includes contests against the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and six opponents with losing records.
Although there’s never an optimal time for an injury, the Bulls don’t have a more favorable stretch remaining. Portis will be a key piece while Mirotić recovers for a potential run at the Eastern Conference crown.