The Chicago Bulls are reeling from a devastating blow as forward/center Zach Collins is set to miss at least four weeks following successful surgery to repair a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist, the team announced. The injury, which occurred during a fall in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s preseason finale against Minnesota, has cast a shadow over the Bulls’ preparations for their regular-season opener against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday at the United Center.
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Collins, a 6-foot-9 forward, was poised to be a key part of the Bulls’ rotation after a strong preseason performance, averaging 11.6 points per game. His absence leaves a significant gap in the team’s frontcourt as they navigate an already challenging start to the season. The injury forced Collins to exit to the locker room shortly after the incident, and the team’s worst fears were confirmed following medical evaluations.
The Bulls are no strangers to adversity this preseason. Guard Coby White, sidelined for the entire preseason due to a calf strain, only returned to full-contact practice on Saturday. While head coach Billy Donovan expressed optimism about White’s availability for the opener, he cautioned that the guard will need time to regain his basketball conditioning. The team’s depth is being tested early, and Collins’s injury only compounds the challenges.
Despite the setbacks, there were bright spots in the preseason. Second-year forward Matas Buzelis emerged as a standout, averaging an impressive 17.6 points per game, signaling his potential as a cornerstone for the franchise. Guard Ayo Dosunmu also shone, contributing 15.3 points per game and providing a spark in the backcourt.
In a separate roster move, the Bulls made a change to their two-way contract players on Friday. The team released guard Yuki Kawamura due to an injury concern and signed 6-foot-9 forward Trentyn Flowers, a Georgia native who bypassed college to play professionally in Australia. Flowers, who spent last season as a two-way player for the Los Angeles Clippers, brings athleticism and versatility to the roster.
As the Bulls await further updates on Collins, who will be reevaluated in four weeks, the team must rally to overcome this early adversity. With the season opener looming, Chicago’s resilience and depth will be put to the test as they aim to start the campaign on a strong note despite the absence of a key contributor.