Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler (Photo : Getty Images/Jonathan Daniel)
The Chicago Bulls have received "good news" from notable orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews after the doctor had verified that the knees of All-Star shooting guard Jimmy Butler have "no new issues".
Butler resumed on-court workouts on Thursday and is said to be headed to be back in action as soon as it is "appropriate", as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
The two-time NBA All-Star was voted in the said annual festivities for the second time this season but had to withdraw because of the left knee strain he suffered during their Feb. 5th game against the Denver Nuggets. He was replaced by Bulls teammate Pau Gasol in the Eastern Conference's lineup.
Butler then missed 11 games because of the injury and was able to briefly return during the team's March 5th 108-100 victory over the Houston Rockets, where the 26-year-old former Marquette standout scored 24 points, grabbed 11 boards, and dished off six assists.
However, the 2015 NBA Most Improved Player was sidelined again two days later as his left knee swelled and his back became sore. From there he met with Dr. Andrews for a second opinion on Thursday and was subsequently given the go signal to resume practice and play as there are no damages in both of his knees whatsoever.
The report noted that the Bulls had actually been in constant consultation with Dr. Andrews since the Nuggets game and Butler had managed to return without any ill effects other than the fact that the left knee swelled again after the Rockets' game. Butler reportedly wanted a face-to-face consultation and so he flew to Alabama to see the surgeon.
Butler missed Chicago's game against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday to attend to his appointment with the surgeon, as per ESPN.
Bulls team doctor Brian Cole examined the knee as well and reported no signs of structural damage to it.
"Hopefully we'll get Jimmy back soon and have him the rest of the year," said head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Butler is averaging 22.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.7 steals playing 37.8 minutes per game in 49 games for the Bulls so far this season.
Chicago is currently at the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference standings, a half game behind eighth seed Detroit Pistons.
