The Bulls have ruled out point guard Tre Jones for at least two weeks after confirming his diagnosis of a left foot sprain, the team announced in a press release.
Jones sustained the injury during Thursday’s win over Sacramento and underwent X-rays, which were negative. There’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to return at the two-week mark, but he’ll be reevaluated at that time, with further updates to come, according to the Bulls.
Jones, who spent the first four years of his NBA career in San Antonio, saw his role decline at the start of his fifth season following the arrival of Chris Paul. He averaged just 16.1 minutes per night, his lowest mark since his rookie year, in 28 appearances for the Spurs before being dealt to Chicago in the three-team De’Aaron Fox/Zach LaVine blockbuster last month.
Despite joining a crowded backcourt in Chicago, Jones has emerged as a key rotation player, averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 25.3 minutes per game across his first 18 appearances (nine starts) as a Bull. He’s making a career-high 57.2% field goal attempts, including 50.0% of his three-pointers, since being traded.
Head coach Billy Donovan has repeatedly lauded Jones in recent weeks for his high basketball IQ and his knack for making winning plays.
With Jones and Lonzo Ball (wrist sprain) currently sidelined and Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder surgery) out for the rest of the season, the Bulls figure to lean more heavily on Josh Giddey and Coby White in their backcourt, with Jevon Carter a candidate to enter the rotation.