Bulls' Hughes Out...But For How Long?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Oct 24, 2008 4:10PM

In Wednesday's preseason tune-up leading up to their regular season opener next week, Bulls guard Larry Hughes suffered a dislocated shoulder. In the third quarter, Hughes collided with Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Mike Miller while chasing after a loose ball and slumped to the floor in pain.

The initial prognosis was that Hughes would miss six to eight weeks, meaning he'd be in street clothes for the first quarter of the regular season. But a Thursday MRI "looked good" according to Hughes. Is his injury not as severe as initially feared? Further tests -- including a dye injection MRI -- on Friday will determine the true extent of the injury and the official timetable for his return.

So how will rookie coach Vinny del Negro set up his starting lineup and rotation off the bench? He's got one last preseason contest to try and hammer things out. Fortunately for the Bulls, they have tons of depth at guard. In fact, it's more of a log jam with Hughes, Ben Gordon (still nursing his sore toe), Kirk Hinrich, Thabo Sefalosha, and the rookie Derrick Rose all competing for playing time. Rose, who has looked quite impressive at times but erratic, might be the beneficiary if Hughes isn't ready to go when the games count.

AP Photo/Jim Mone