Bulls Confirm Worst Fears For Rookie

When undrafted rookie Justin Lewis suffered a knee injury over the weekend, the young forward—and the Bulls—were holding their breath that he could avoid the worst outcome. 

Unfortunately, those worst fears have come to pass.

#Bulls forward Justin Lewis, who's on a 2-way contract, suffered a right ACL injury recently and will undergo surgery in the coming weeks, the team says.

He's out indefinitely.

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) August 16, 2022

The Bulls have announced today that Lewis "sustained an injury to his right anterior cruciate ligament this past weekend. He will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and is out indefinitely." 

The 6'7", 235 lb forward was a first-team member of the All-Big East team for Marquette this past season. He went undrafted at the June NBA Draft, but the Bulls signed him, hoping that his massive 7'2" wingspan would help fill a role backing up power forward Patrick Williams this season.  

He averaged 7.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks for the Bulls' Summer League team, but the injury is said to have occurred during a personal offseason workout. 

It's terrible timing for Lewis, who was on a two-way contract heading into training camp; his dreams of being on an NBA roster for this season have been dashed for now. 

Photos:  Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports ,Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports