I need to restart Windows or something, because my OS won't let me paste text (??). So no direct link. But It's on the Chicagosports.com website <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Boylan wouldn't guess as to the length of Deng's absence, but it will be weeks, not days.</div>
Here's the link. Obviously it sucks for this season, but I'm glad to see the Bulls do the far-sighted thing and shut him down to make sure he doesn't suffer a career affecting injury. I can't imagine Deng is very happy about it or wants to do it, since it might affect his contract status, but in this case I think the Bulls need to be willing to say "Hey, we'll be fair with you when it comes to your contract, but you can't take chances with yourself". And yes, it really is a career threatening injury. Everything I've read about achilles injuries says not resting it can lead to a tear. You have to rest it until it's fully healed. Sucks, but that's what we've got to do.
http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/1564969 Deng to miss 'significant time' Wednesday, January 23, 2008 03:39 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Chicago Bulls apparently will be without Luol Deng for quite some time. The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that Deng will be sidelined indefinitely with a sore left Achilles tendon. Interim coach Jim Boylan told the newspaper Deng will be shut down for a "significant period of time." Deng, who played in every regular-season game last season, has struggled with injuries this campaign, missing three contests with a sore back. The Achilles problem first surfaced in early January and kept him out another four games. On Monday, Deng played 26 minutes in a 104-90 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Deng is second on the team in scoring, averaging 17.9 points to go along with 6.6 boards per contest. His numbers are down from last season when he averaged 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds. Losing Deng is another blow to the Bulls (16-24), who have been among a major disappointment this season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne @ Jan 23 2008, 04:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Gordon's contract will likely be +10 million after this stint.</div> 10 million, yeah, but no "+." Gordon is playing extremely well and is a great weapon to have on your roster, but he's doing it off the bench and for a losing team. He is a luxury, which means he will be somewhat low on any GM's list of priorities. 10 million per year is pretty much the absolute ceiling of what he would be offered from the Bulls or another team in FA. I think the only way he can earn more is if he regains/displays closer ability in the playoffs. But it looks like the Bulls aren't making the playoffs, so..
