Bulls' Hoiberg: Mirotic 'a couple weeks away' from return

The banged-up Chicago Bulls are treading water without several key rotation players, but one of those players is apparently nearing a return.

Second-year forward Nikola Mirotic, who's been out of action since undergoing an appendectomy in late January, is working his way back into game shape, according to Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg.

"Niko got a good workout in today," Hoiberg said Thursday, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "Hes getting stronger. He still hasn't really gotten out and pushed it on the floor as of yet. I'd still say Niko is a couple weeks away."

It's been a grueling month for Mirotic, in what's proven to be a trying and disappointing sophomore season. After his appendectomy, the 25-year-old needed a follow-up procedure to remove a hematoma. He lost 15 pounds - the result of being on a liquid diet in the aftermath of the second surgery - and was still in considerable pain two weeks after the fact.

In 44 games before going under the knife, Mirotic averaged 10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds, while shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from 3-point range.