The Bulls will be without starting forward Otto Porter Jr. for at least a couple more weeks, the team announced today in a press release.
According to the team, Porter underwent another MRI on his left foot on Tuesday and it revealed bone bruising not apparent on the original MRI. The 26-year-old will continue to receive treatment for the injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, per the Bulls.
Porter has already missed the Bulls’ last five contests, having not played since he left the team’s November 6 game in Atlanta early due to that bruised left foot. The timing was unfortunate for the veteran forward, who struggled in his first seven games, with 10.0 PPG on 34.8% shooting, but appeared to be heating up in his last couple outings, with 15.5 PPG on 66.7% shooting.
Chandler Hutchison, who started Chicago’s last five games, will continue to play an increased role while Porter is sidelined.
[UPDATE: Hutchison will miss the Bulls’ Wednesday game vs. Detroit with an injury of his own.]
Porter’s ability to return to the Bulls’ lineup and have a positive impact will be a major factor in his looming contract decision next offseason. He holds a $28.49MM player option for 2020/21 and may simply pick up that option if he has a down year. On the other hand, a strong, healthy finish could put him in position to opt out in search of a longer-term deal.
OPorter, MPorter, KPorter on the loose in the NBA, all of them 3s, all with a “junior” at the end… call them what? Otto, MPJ, King-of-pop-with-a-chest. All Kevin Porter CLE needs to do is shorten the hair and wear one white glove for a full Michael Jackson imitation!
KevinPJ has talent and will stay around. He is kid-like but can score on drives. Him, Sexton & Garland are like three versions of the same guy, often all starting on the Cav perimeter.