NEWSLETTER
No, you were being overdramatic!
Yesterday, following the conclusion of the first training camp practice, we learned that centers Wendell Carter Jr. and Daniel Gafford both left with injuries. It was … not a great start for the Bulls, to say the least. But fortunately, the bad news didn’t last all that long.
Carter Jr.’s ankle sprain (that was initially reported as nothing more than day-to-day), didn’t keep the big man out even a full 24 hours, as he was back on his feet as a full practice participant earlier today.
And although the initial Gafford news wasn’t as promising – Jim Boylen told reporters that he’d undergo further evaluation for a hyperextended elbow, which quickly drummed up comparisons to Lauri Markkanen’s injury last summer (… which cost him the first 23 games of the season) – Gafford was back on the court today!
Hooray to freaking out for nothing!
Daniel Gafford (hyperextended right elbow) practiced today. He didn’t require further testing. “We gave him a glass of milk,” Bulls coach Jim Boylen said.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 2, 2019
Now, the Bulls await free-agent signing Luke Kornet to work back from turf toe for center to have a fully healthy depth chart at the position.
But we’re not off the hook that easy! Look toward the small forward position, and head coach Jim Boylen might have to get creative. Chandler Hutchison is rehabbing a hamstring issue that will continue to keep him off the court throughout most of Training Camp, and possibly beyond:
Jim Boylen said Chandler Hutchison is “at least 2 more weeks” away from return. Opening game in jeopardy, per Boylen.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 2, 2019
While that’s the Bulls’ lone injury at the position, the depth there is quite thin (Hutchison is expected to be the Otto Porter’s primary backup). With opening night now in jeopardy, the Bulls might have to look toward the versatile Tomas Satoransky at the three spot, something the team already started doing in yesterday’s practice.
Another option is Thaddeus Young, who Boylen pointed out during Media Day can play at the three, four, or five. Overall, this is something to keep an eye on. Stay tuned.
