The Chicago Bulls are starting their season without their big man. Nic Claxton will miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season due to a hamstring injury suffered in the preseason. This is a major hit for a team that needs size. Coach Tiago Splitter confirmed the timeline on Monday after the medical staff re-evaluated the center this week.
Splitter knows fans want a hard date. He told the media that he cannot give one. “This is not a science,” Splitter said. “I wish I could tell you guys, ‘Hey, 13 (days) left and then he’s going to play.’ It’s not like that. Everybody’s different. Everybody reacts to treatment different. Everybody reacts to practice different.”. The coach tried to be clear about the average recovery time. “On average, he should be back in two weeks. But that’s all I can do.”.
Smith Steps Into the Starting Role
Jalen Smith is the guy who has to fill the gap right now. He will start in the lineup while Claxton sits on the bench. Smith started most of the Bulls’ preseason games and should keep that role for the opener. This sets up a solid workload for him to open the season. The team opens Wednesday against the Raptors in Toronto. Smith has to be ready to lead the defense immediately. There is no time to warm up.
The injury situation is not just about Claxton. Zach Collins is also sidelined by a quadriceps injury. Collins might return for Wednesday’s opener after practicing without limitations in Monday’s short session. According to the Chicago Tribune, Collins has not received clearance to play Wednesday. Collins was not restricted in Monday’s practice, which sets him up to be available for the game. The Bulls are hoping for a quick return, but the frontcourt is thin.
Rebuild Patience Tested Early
The Chicago Tribune reports the Bulls expect Claxton to be ready by the first week of November. That is a long wait for a team trying to find its footing. The team cannot play double-big lineups until everyone is healthy. Splitter had shown interest in those lineups because of the team’s personnel.
Claxton will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Two days after reports surfaced that he was ramping up activity, Splitter confirmed the extended absence. K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports that Claxton will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
