Bulls Rumors: Chicago's Title Hopes Depend on Luol Deng Playing Through Pain

It's all in the wrist. That statement has never meant more, as the Chicago Bulls title hopes rest on how well Luol Deng can play through pain. ESPNChicago reporter Nick Friedell is reporting that Deng may still need surgery if he tries to play, and the pain is too much for him to bear. Luol is a game time decision per KC Johnson of the Chicago Sun-Times tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Without Deng, the Bulls are not serious contenders.

Deng was playing at an All-Star level before the injury occurred. He was averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while playing over 38 minutes per night. Deng is the Bulls second best scorer behind Derrick Rose, and the most dependable option when defenses double the reigning MVP.

Deng is also routinely the only started left on the floor with the second unit. Coach Tom Thibodeau does this to give the reserves a primary scoring option.

Without Deng, the Bulls lose Rose's best running mate and the leader of the second unit. That is just the way his absence impacts the offense.

On defense, Deng generally draws the toughest defensive assignment. Most notably, that means Miami's LeBron James. Without Deng, the Bulls watched LeBron James embarrass John Lucas III and anyone else in the vicinity to the tune of 35 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, in a Heat win.

Deng is one of the premier defenders in the league, and his absence on the defensive end is just as impacting as it is on offense.

Deng's size is also a very underrated benefit. At 6'9", with amazingly long arms, he gives the Bulls the versatility to play him at both forward spots. Chicago doesn't have another player with that type of size and skill set. Deng's absence impacts several lineups and potential substitution patterns.

If Deng does not return this year, or he returns and bows out because of the pain, it is inevitable, his injury will be compared to Kobe Bryant's.

Both injuries are tears to wrist ligaments, and Kobe's in on his shooting arm, Deng's is not. Questions about Deng's toughness will arise. As many will logically ask, "how come Kobe can play through the pain and Deng cannot?"

Kobe Bryant is averaging 29.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6 assists per game, through the pain. Not only is he playing, he's having an MVP-caliber season.

Every player deals with injuries differently, we can call it toughness, or insanity on Kobe's part. Either way, it really doesn't have any effect on the way Deng feels.

Is he as tough as Kobe?

Probably not, but then again, not many are.

If Deng feels he can't and shouldn't play, the injury is certainly significant enough to sit out.

Without Deng, the Bulls will still have a solid regular season record, but Rose will be forced to do even more offensively than he did last year. That is a formula for defeat in the postseason.

The Bulls may bow out in the playoffs before they even get to the Miami Heat, as the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers are both quality teams, that could knock the Deng-less Bulls out before the Eastern conference Finals.

I didn't believe the Bulls had a good enough team to defeat the Heat with Deng, and I certainly don't think they can win the East without him.

If he can't play with reasonable comfort, it is better that he sit and allow the Bulls to improve through yet another off-season. That is what makes this injury so frustrating for the organization and it's fans.

The Bulls are so good now, arguably ready to take down Miami, but without Gluol, it will never happen.

Lead image courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.