Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) reacts on the court in the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls’ Long Road Trip Will Be Humbling For Them by Dave Daniels

After Nikola Mirotic had an appendectomy last Wednesday, the team announced that Mirotic would return after the All-Star break. Many expected his return to be shortly after the break, until Tuesday’s news about a second surgery for Mirotic.

Things just keep getting worse somehow for the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls have lost nine of their last 13 games and have had a share of injury issues during their slide. One of those on the injury list is forward Nikola Mirotic. On Jan. 27, Mirotic underwent an emergency appendectomy and the Bulls announced that Mirotic would at least be out until after the All-Star break (which is next weekend).

But, things have changed for Mirotic and the Bulls.

On Tuesday, the Bulls sent out a press release of a second surgery for Mirotic after the appendectomy last Wednesday.

OFFICIAL: Nikola Mirotic underwent an appendectomy followed by a hematoma removal. Return date will be re-assessed. https://t.co/CKXmrJKP4g — Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 3, 2016

Here’s the full press release from the Bulls on Mirotic’s second surgery:

Nikola Mirotić underwent an appendectomy at Rush University Medical Center last Wednesday followed by a hematoma removal over the weekend. He is currently resting comfortably at Rush and will be discharged within the next few days to begin his rehabilitation. A date for his return will be re-assessed as he continues to recover.

The first game for the Bulls after the break is Feb. 18 in Cleveland. There was hope for Mirotic to return for that game, but with the latest news from the Bulls, it doesn’t sound like that will be the target date for his return to action.

There’s five games between now and the All-Star break for the Bulls and not having Mirotic on the floor has been an issue.

The numbers may not show Mirotic’s value this season, but he’s a guy that keep the rotation steady. Without him on the floor, the Bulls have had to try some different things; including Doug McDermott at the power forward position.

Let’s just say that McDermott at the four isn’t the most ideal thing in the world for the Bulls.

Along with McDermott and Snell struggling, the Bulls have had to go to a three-guard lineup of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler and E’Twaun Moore. It’s nice to have Moore on the floor for his defense (and minor production offensively), but the Bulls aren’t stopping anyone, no matter who is on the floor.

With Mirotic, the Bulls have a “big” that can stretch the floor. Plus, Mirotic is really the only power forward on the roster outside of Taj Gibson (who is now starting and can play the center position) and rookie Bobby Portis.

With Joakim Noah most likely done for the season, the Bulls need their big guys healthy. Mirotic’s latest setback — which could just be a couple more days than expected in the end — isn’t going to help the Bulls’ cause.