Bulls say Nikola Mirotic underwent a second surgery

Nikola Mirotic underwent an appendectomy and is expected to be out until after the All-Star break, the Bulls announced last week via an official release.

But now comes word of a second procedure that was needed, which may further extend the timetable for Mirotic to return to the lineup. 

This obviously isn't great news for a Bulls team that's struggling to become consistent a little more than halfway through what's been an up-and-down season. They're already missing Joakim Noah, who is out for the year and may be done in Chicago entirely after undergoing shoulder surgery a couple of weeks back. 

Taj Gibson and rookie Bobby Portis will be pressed more heavily into action, but Mirotic is more of a threat offensively, and the team will miss him on that end of the floor until he gets back.