On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Sun Times reported that Denzel Valentine had a setback in his recovery from an ankle injury. Paxson stated that his absence will be indefinite.
The Bulls have another team-option year on Valentine before he has a chance for restricted free agency in 2020.
He had been vocal in the past about wanting a starting role with the Bulls and was expected to factor heavily into the small forward rotation.
Valentine has proven to be a great floor-spacer and playmaker in his brief NBA career. Last season he shot 38 percent from 3-point range and put up 10 points, 3 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
In Valentine's absence, expect rookie Chandler Hutchison to play even more than his current 19 minutes per game. Also look out for two-way/Exhibit 10 contract players like Rawle Alkins and Tyler Ulis to get an opportunity to see some NBA action sooner than later.
