Feb. 13--NEW YORK -- In his first comments since aggravating his strained right shoulder and missing the Bulls' final six quarters before the All-Star break, first-time All-Star Jimmy Butler said he's hoping to return on Feb. 20 at the Pistons, the Bulls' first game after the extended break.
"That's the plan," Butler said. "I should be all right."
Butler first injured the shoulder on Sunday in Orlando but played through the injury. A Reggie Evans' screen in Tuesday's victory over the Kings severely aggravated the injury and an MRI exam confirmed the strain.
Butler hasn't played since.
"It's getting better," Butler said. "I just have to take care of my body like I've been doing all season. It's unfortunate. But that's what this time off is for. I think I'll be fine."
Butler has already dropped out of Saturday's Skills Challenge but is hoping to play limited minutes in Sunday's All-Star game.
"I think I'll be out there," Butler said. "I don't want to miss an All-Star game. This is my first one. They don't come easy in this league. That's for sure."
