Luol Deng Out At Least Two Weeks

March 9th, 2009 by Andrew Wamboldt

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Luol Deng will be out at least two more weeks, and then will decide whether or not he will have surgery.

MIAMI - Luol Deng is expected to be sidelined for approximately two more weeks after consulting Monday afternoon with an orthopedic surgeon who has extensive experience in treating tibial stress fractures.

After his rest, Deng is expected to test his injured right leg, which sources said has a small stress fracture in his right tibia, confirmed by additional X-rays taken Monday.

If the condition has improved to the point Deng can play through pain, he will finish the season without surgery. If not, surgery and a three-month rehabilitation process likely would occur.

Oh boy, this is not looking good. I hope Deng has a great recovery and comes back stronger than ever, but I have my doubts. The Bulls will have to seriously look at unloading Luol Deng to a team with capspace or even for an expiring contract if that is all they can get. Deng is definitely injury prone, there is no debate about that, but the question is whether when healthy, is Deng worth the price tag? Deng is a good defensive player, but he is completely inept offensively. If the Bulls are willing to commit to paying everyone, than sure, lets keep Deng around in case he ever gets healthy, and becomes productive again. But if it starts becoming a choice between assets, such as Deng or Gordon, or Deng or an extension for Tyrus Thomas, than trading Deng is probably the best course of action for the Bulls.