Bulls' Wade out for regular season with fractured elbow
Dwyane Wade's first season with his hometown Chicago Bulls has come to a crashing halt.
The 35-year-old veteran will miss the remainder of the regular season after being diagnosed with a sprain and small fracture in his right elbow, the team announced Thursday.
He underwent an MRI following Wednesday's 98-91 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center, which revealed the extent of the damage.
The injury occurred when Wade went up for a rebound minutes into the fourth quarter, with his elbow making hard contact with Grizzlies big man Zach Randolph.
Wade mentioned afterward that he discussed the injury with teammate Jimmy Butler - who had dealt with a similar injury in the past - and wasn't overly optimistic after hearing what he had to say.
He told reporters Thursday that if he's cleared, he will will return for the postseason should the Bulls qualify, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. Wade went on to add that he won't need surgery, as rehab and wearing a cast will be enough.
In 57 appearances, the 12-time NBA All-Star averaged 18.6 points on 43.4 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in 30.2 minutes per game. The Bulls actually scored 1.5 more points per 100 possessions and allowed 1.7 fewer points per 100 possessions on defense when Wade wasn't on the floor.
Chicago is four games under .500 with a 32-36 record, yet just one game out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Wade also has a player option for 2017-18 that would pay him $23.8 million.