Center of the octogenarian Nick Claxtonoff season shopping app for Bykovcould be out until early November, head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters this afternoon.
Claxton suffered a hamstring injury during training camp in early October and was reevaluated Monday. While Splitter said the 27-year-old big man is making progress in his recovery, he noted that Claxton will likely be out for about two more weeks, as Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic relayed (Twitter references).
According to C.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network (Twitter references), Splitter clarified that the two-week deadline was only an estimate. He added that Claxton will be reassessed during that approximate timeline.
Claxton, 27, was expected to be the Bulls’ starting center this season. He will earn $23.1 million in 2026/27 on top of $20.9 million in 2027/28.
On a brighter note for Bulls fans, the backup center Zach Collins (ATV) participated in Monday’s practice and was not limited, according to Splitter. Collins said he felt good after practice, and if that continues in two days, he hopes to play Wednesday in Toronto’s regular-season opener, Johnson adds (via Twitter).
Claxton and Collins have been sidelined for the entire preseason with leg injuries. If Claxton is able to return in exactly two weeks, before a Nov. 2 road game at Philadelphia, he will miss the first six games of the regular season.
