Anfernee Simons is set to miss the Bulls' clash against the Knicks tonight due to a left wrist sprain. Simons exited Saturday’s game against the Pistons after just 13 minutes because of the injury.
Head coach Billy Donovan mentioned that Simons will undergo imaging on Monday, which could lead to a revised diagnosis. The team is still uncertain about the injury's severity.
Simons, who joined the Bulls in a trade involving Nikola Vucevic heading to the Celtics, has played five games with Chicago. In those outings, he averaged 17.4 points and 3.6 assists but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 32.7% of his three-point attempts.
In other Bulls news, the recent trade deadline saw Chicago making strategic moves to improve their lottery odds for the upcoming summer. However, acquiring Jaden Ivey was a forward-thinking decision.
Ivey’s injury status complicates matters, particularly with his free agency looming. Despite Ivey expressing concerns about his physical condition, there’s cautious optimism from Coach Donovan about his recovery potential.
Donovan believes that regaining strength could restore Ivey’s athleticism. Former coach J.B.
Bickerstaff echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the mental aspect of recovery. Trusting his body again will be crucial for Ivey, especially given his unique athletic prowess.
Kevin Huerter recently discussed his trade from the Bulls to the Pistons. He highlighted the uncertainty within the Chicago roster about whether the team would compete or rebuild.
"We talked about it as a team, and we just didn’t know," Huerter remarked. Sitting at .500 for much of the season, the direction was unclear, and the flurry of trades caught many by surprise.
Despite the upheaval, Huerter appreciates the opportunity with the Pistons, who are currently leading the East. Transitioning mid-season is challenging, but he’s eager to contribute to a competitive squad.
The Bulls face an uphill battle in securing a top draft pick, a situation reflective of vice president Arturas Karnisovas' tenure. Moves have often been made after a player's value dipped. Nonetheless, the decision to pivot towards the future is seen as wise, given the promising depth of the 2026 draft class.