Zach likely out until after All-Star break--KC

[Andi Obst]

Yeah, I’m expecting this to be really bad now. That’s just how the Bulls do it.

[kodo]

As a bench player he might play like 10 minutes total spread out over the game. He'd probably be more in danger just in his regular workouts for a few hours.

Also I wouldn't underestimate the connections he'll be making for the future. He's a Klutch client now, he'll be there at plenty of tampering talks for the near or long term future.

[Brothaman33]

Just can't catch a break... Sit him. No All-Star game, give him a full month.

If this turns out to be something worse, after getting a "clean" report from last time...that's a really bad look.

[tedwilliams1999]

Damn. There's no obvious structural damage on the last MRI but it's probably a good idea to repeat another one.

After a certain point if there still is persistent soreness, the only way to really get peace of mind on the knee being structurally sound would be by putting a camera in there.

An arthroscopic procedure, even just to take a look and not intervene on anything, would mean at least a 4 week recovery.

[umfan83]

Just can't catch a break... Sit him. No All-Star game, give him a full month.

If this turns out to be something worse, after getting a "clean" report from last time...that's a really bad look.

And would only be the 3rd or 4th worst diagnosis from the Bulls medical staff over the last decade

[ImSlower]

I've already come to terms with the inevitable amputation

[ChiFan4lyfe]

Just can't catch a break... Sit him. No All-Star game, give him a full month.

If this turns out to be something worse, after getting a "clean" report from last time...that's a really bad look.

And would only be the 3rd or 4th worst diagnosis from the Bulls medical staff over the last decade

That's a royal screw up from the radiologist reviewing the MRI images and then writing up the final result. A MRI of the knee have been done for ages, and not catching something the first time around is just a massive fail.

I'm going to think good vibes that Zach will just need rest especially after coming back too soon when the team was struggling last month. Doesn't help when the bench is not producing, and the starters are playing heavy minutes.

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[OldSchoolNoBull]

Keep your fingers crossed.

I have to think, though, that if something was seriously wrong with his knee that he'd be experiencing more than "soreness". I also have to think he wouldn't be thinking about playing the ASG if he thought there could be something seriously wrong.

[Andi Obst]

I've already come to terms with the inevitable amputation

…but it’s actually the other leg.

[weneeda2guard]

I've already come to terms with the inevitable amputation

Yep cut the leg off, give him the titanium prosthetic replacement, then he will be be back........you guessed it


In 6-8 weeks!!

[Ice Man]

Eh, you guys actually think that other doctors would be better? I recently had an MRI done on an Achilles tendon. The doctor walked me through the pictures, told me how after a couple of weeks of rest I could resume my previous activities. It was all very convincing. I then rested, it felt better, I resumed my activities and boom!, the same bad tendon all over again.

Sometimes, none of them know. The technology and knowledge just isn't that precise. You can swap doctors all you want, and it matters not. You will still be trying to figure out the problem on the fly.

[Macallan]

Can we please pick up Gary Harris now? Bulls will need another competent shooter/scorer if Zach is out for any length of time or needs maintenance games down the stretch.

[northbrookrich]

The Bulls just can't seem to catch a break. I didn't really understand the Dragic talk, but if the Bulls can get him, perhaps they can be more cautious with Zach and hold him out until he is much closer to 100% healthy. The Bulls need Zach to sign long term - so they have to kiss his a$$ and let him do whatever he wants. If he thinks it helps his "brand" or something by participating in the All-Star game, it is up to him to choose to risk his health. No reason to create a divide between player and team when it will generally be up to Zach if he is going to stay in Chicago long term.

[Am2626]

Read on Twitter

He should sit out the All-Star game.

I have no idea why he’s hellbent on playing when the the Bulls are already dealing with a bunch of injuries. Three point competition is one thing - but playing through an injury in a meaningless game makes no sense.

This is just his second All Star Game. This is all new to him and he doesn’t want to miss out on that experience. They don’t even play at full speed so he should be fine. As long as the Bulls sn win these next 2 games which I think they should be able to then it’s fine.

[RSP83]

He can ask the coach to play him limited minutes, can't he? I remember Jimmy did the same in one of the ASG he participated.

[umfan83]

Like others have said it’s strange that he would skip 2 games and then play in the all star game. Just rest it bud and use it as motivation to make the ASG next year. Can still participate in the 3 point shootout I guess.

He could rest his knee for 12 full days and only miss 2 games against crappy opponents.

[tedwilliams1999]

Eh, you guys actually think that other doctors would be better? I recently had an MRI done on an Achilles tendon. The doctor walked me through the pictures, told me how after a couple of weeks of rest I could resume my previous activities. It was all very convincing. I then rested, it felt better, I resumed my activities and boom!, the same bad tendon all over again.

Sometimes, none of them know. The technology and knowledge just isn't that precise. You can swap doctors all you want, and it matters not. You will still be trying to figure out the problem on the fly.

Biggest benefit is probably going to be from having the other surgeon look at the images of the MRI himself, or else just repeating an MRI.

The first scan looked good but MRI's can definitely miss certain meniscus tears for a variety of reasons. The only way to know if this is the case is to have some other expert review the MRI, repeat the MRI, or lastly by putting a camera in the knee with one small incision to take a quick look.

[umfan83]

Read on Twitter

He should sit out the All-Star game.

I have no idea why he’s hellbent on playing when the the Bulls are already dealing with a bunch of injuries. Three point competition is one thing - but playing through an injury in a meaningless game makes no sense.

This is just his second All Star Game. This is all new to him and he doesn’t want to miss out on that experience. They don’t even play at full speed so he should be fine. As long as the Bulls sn win these next 2 games which I think they should be able to then it’s fine.

I would love for him to play but if his knee is messed up enough for him to miss 2 weeks and then another 2 games over the past month why does he need to play in an exhibition game? It’s not a huge deal but it is a little strange.

That said, like others I’m using the fact that he wants to play in it as a good sign overall.

[logical_art]

What's with the Bulls rushing guys back?

[Wingy]

This is just his second All Star Game. This is all new to him and he doesn’t want to miss out on that experience. They don’t even play at full speed so he should be fine. As long as the Bulls sn win these next 2 games which I think they should be able to then it’s fine.

Yeah, it sure is a bummer AND it would still be incredibly stupid to play.

They do run the open court breaks fairly fast, and watching his last game, it was a pretty straight forward dunk that got him hurting. Do we think he’s going to lay it in during the ASG?

Totally cool if he wants to go, hit the parties, rub elbows. Don’t want him playing.

He has plenty more all star games if he takes care of his health.