Bulls’ Mirotic opts not to have surgery for facial fractures

Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Chicago Bulls’ Bobby Portis (5) handles the ball during a preseason NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

CHICAGO — Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic has decided not to have surgery to repair the broken bones in his face.

Vice president of basketball operations John Paxson tells Chicago’s WBBM-AM 780 that Mirotic decided to let the fractures heal on their own. Mirotic suffered several broken bones as well as a concussion when he got into a fight with teammate Bobby Portis during practice on Oct. 17.

The Bulls had said he would likely need surgery and miss four to six weeks.

Because of the concussion, Mirotic, who was born in Montenegro, did not have the operation right away. Paxson says the bones have started to heal so it’s “best” not to undergo surgery.

He also says Mirotic will resume light activity on Tuesday.

Portis was suspended eight games.