Jimmy Butler Aims To Return 'ASAP'
(CBS) Bulls All-Star wing Jimmy Butler doesn't know whether his recovery from a left elbow sprain will keep him out closer to three weeks or six weeks -- as his recovery timeline is estimated to be -- but added, "I'm just trying my best to hurry back, being careful of course."
Butler suffered a grade 2/3 ulnar ligament sprain Sunday against the Clippers when his elbow hit Los Angeles big man DeAndre Jordan while defending a screen. Talking Tuesday about the injury for the first time, Butler was as upbeat as he could be.
"My ligament just has to heal and I got to be able to move my left arm like I can move my right before I can get out there and do anything," Butler said.
"Resting and just making sure my body as a whole is OK. I think this is a good time to get everything right that was nagging.
"I want to get back as soon as possible. I don't think too much rest is a good thing."
Butler's timeline for a return closely mirrors that of Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, who had surgery on a tear in his right medial meniscus last Friday and is expected back somewhere between late March and mid-April. When they do return, Butler believes he and Rose can pick up quickly where they left off, even if they only have a couple regular-season games left to get back in the flow.
"We both want to be back ASAP, as soon as possible," Butler said. "But we both have to be smart about it … We definitely want to make it back before the end of the season.
"As long as you condition and keep your body right, you'll kind of pick up where you left off as long as you don't be completely lazy in your time off. And our training staff and weight room staff isn't going to let that happen anyways."
The Bulls will be without Rose, Butler and forward Taj Gibson (left ankle sprain) tonight when they host the Wizards. Big man Pau Gasol is feeling better after having a severe illness over the weekend, coach Tom Thibodeau said. Gasol missed Friday's game and struggled in playing Sunday's contest.
