National Basketball Association

Reports: Noah to have surgery on thumb

Published Dec. 15, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Chicago Bulls starting center Joakim Noah is scheduled to have surgery on his right thumb and could miss as long as 10 weeks, according to multiple reports Wednesday.

Noah played with the injury Wednesday night during the Bulls' victory over the Toronto Raptors after team physicians determined he could do no more damage to the thumb, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Noah first injured the thumb in late November and then aggravated it in early December. He has been playing with his hand taped at times before doctors determined on Wednesday that surgery would be necessary.

‘‘I feel like it’s tough not playing at a high level,’’ Noah told the Chicago Sun-Times after the 110-93 victory. ‘‘It’s hurting. I have to take anti-inflammatories every time I play. I can’t practice. I have to get right and get back to this team.

“I’m gonna miss playing with the guys. It’s frustrating because I feel like we have a chance to be really, really good and I’ve never been in a situation where we’re winning like this. But I know in the long run this is what needs to be done.’’

The Tribune also reported that there is still a small chance Noah's surgery could be postponed, but at this point, the Bulls are expected to announce the surgery on Thursday.

Noah's surgery will repair the ligament in his thumb and two others connected with fingers.

‘‘It’s disappointing for Jo, but for us, we’re confident in the ability of the guys that we have,’’ Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau told the Sun-Times. ‘‘We have more than enough to win with.

‘‘We’re looking at what’s best for him. Long term, it’s the right decision. It’s unfortunate, but that’s a part of the game. Guys get hurt and they’re injured and they need surgery, and they have to do it.”

Noah, who is averaging 14.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game this season, could be ready to return in March, before the playoffs begin.