Chicago Bulls point guard Cameron Payne underwent successful surgery on his right foot on Wednesday, the team announced today through a tweet. He is expected to make a full return to the court in three to four months.
This is the third surgery the 23-year-old has suffered in his right foot through his first two seasons in the league — suggesting a trail of injury issues that have raised major concern.
Payne is part of three young prospects at the point guard position along with Jerian Grant and second-year player Kris Dunn, who came to the Bulls as part of the bundle in return for Jimmy Butler on a draft night trade.
As it sits now, none of the point guards in the roster have shown any real promise at the point guard position during their short NBA careers, likely leaving the majority of the ball-handling to rising star Zach LaVine coming into the season and maybe even Dwyane Wade if he does indeed come into training camp as he previously asserted.
The Bulls won't be in any hurry to bring Payne back as they are taking this rebuilding effort rather conservatively with this core group. Chicago will focus on the development of LaVine and rookie Lauri Markkanen as the cornerstones of the franchise, hoping the rest can come together in the years to come.