Bulls News: No Tear In Hamilton's Shoulder

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 7, 2012 7:00PM

The Chicago Bulls and their fans hoped for a dose of good news concerning Rip Hamilton's latest injury. Following an MRI on Tuesday, the official diagnosis is a sprain and bruise that has Hamilton listed as day-to-day.

Hamilton banged into a screen set by Pacers center Roy Hibbert less than two minutes into the game, and quickly exited after trying to play through the pain. Said coach Tom Thibodeau in his post-game remarks, "He tried to shake it off. At first, I thought it might be a stinger. But that wasn't the case." The tone of remarks by Thibs and other suggested fear within the organization that Rip's should could keep him out of action for another extended period of time, if not end his season.

Hamilton missed 24 of the Bulls' first 35 games with groin and thigh injuries, finally returning to action after the All-Star Break last week. Bulls fans let out a collective groan when their starting shooting guard appeared to suffer another serious injury Monday night against the Indiana Pacers.

Already ruled out of tonight's game against Milwaukee, it's likely he'll assume his familiar position on the bench in street clothes for at least a few games. With the Bulls holding a league-best 32-8 record, there's no point in rushing Rip back. We, and the team, just hope to have him healthy for the playoffs. Although others are using the injury as an excuse to lobby for the Bulls to make a roster move prior to the trade deadline.