It's all in the wrist. That statement has never meant more, as the Chicago Bulls title hopes rest on how well Luol Deng can play through pain. ESPNChicago reporter Nick Friedell is reporting that Deng may still need surgery if he tries to play, and the pain is too much for him to bear. Luol is a game time decision per KC Johnson of the Chicago Sun-Times tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Without Deng, the Bulls are not serious contenders.
Deng was playing at an All-Star level before the injury occurred. He was averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while playing over 38 minutes per night. Deng is the Bulls second best scorer behind Derrick Rose, and the most dependable option when defenses double the reigning MVP.
Deng is also routinely the only started left on the floor with the second unit. Coach Tom Thibodeau does this to give the reserves a primary scoring option.
Without Deng, the Bulls lose Rose's best running mate and the leader of the second unit. That is just the way his absence impacts the offense.
On defense, Deng generally draws the toughest defensive assignment. Most notably, that means Miami's LeBron ...
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Article written by Brian Mazique
Bulls Rumors: Chicago’s Title Hopes Depend on Luol Deng Playing Through Pain
February 4th, 2012 by Brian Mazique Leave a reply »
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