Bulls center Joakim Noah is out. For months.
Following Wednesday night's 110-93 win over the Toronto Raptors, the Bulls announced that Noah plans to undergo surgery Thursday to repair a torn ulna collateral ligament in his right thumb.
Noah suffered the injury on November 27 during a game in Sacramento.
"As the days proceeded from the original injury, it became clear for all that surgery was best for Joakim," said Gar Foreman, Chicago Bulls General Manager in a press release on Chicagobulls.com.
"We have always valued Joakim's toughness and willingness to put the team above himself, but in this case his health took precedence." Noah is scheduled to miss eight to 10 weeks. He likely will not return until after the All-Star break in late February.
“It sucks,” said Noah to the Chicago Tribune. “It’s not what I want. But I have to get back to playing at a high level. I’m tired of taking anti-inflammatory every time I play. I’m tired of not dribbling with my right hand.”
Noah was fifth in the NBA for rebounds, averaging 11.7/game.
