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Bulls' Mike Dunleavy To See 2 More Specialists, Stay Off Floor For 2 Weeks

By Cody Westerlund--

(CBS) Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy will see two more specialists soon and stay away from on-court basketball activities for at least two weeks after having a "setback" in his rehab following late September back surgery, coach Fred Hoiberg said Monday evening.

Dunleavy, 35, has yet to appear in a game this season. The Bulls initially gave him a timetable of eight to 10 weeks for a return, though Dunleavy bristled at that from the start, making it clear at media day on Sept. 28 that he had no personal timetable and would return when he was medically cleared and felt ready.

Now, he'll be out at least several more weeks -- and probably longer.

"We had him seen by the doctor today, and the recommendation is for him to get off the floor and really focus on just straight rehab for about two weeks," Hoiberg said. "We've also consulted with some other doctors, some specialists around the country. He's going to go see a couple of those this week as well."

Asked if there was concern that Dunleavy could be shut down for the season, Hoiberg responded, "Nothing like that yet."

"We'll know more after this week when he goes out and sees these other two doctors," Hoiberg said.

Dunleavy had been ramping up his on-court activity recently, though he hadn't returned to any sort of full participation. He'll focus on core work in the next two weeks, Hoiberg said.

Dunleavy underwent a lower back microdiscectomy procedure on Sept. 25. Three days later, he didn't share the team's view that he'd be back in eight to 10 weeks.

"I don't really have a timeframe on it," Dunleavy said on media day. "I'm coming back when I feel good.

"I have no idea, hopefully that will be this season."

Dunleavy averaged 9.4 points in 2014-'15 while starting 63 games. He missed an extended stretch because of a nagging ankle injury. He shot nearly 41 percent from 3-point range and was solid defensively.

Dunleavy signed a three-year deal in the offseason worth a little more than $14 million.

On Monday, Hoiberg also acknowledged that wing Jimmy Butler is dealing with soreness in his heel

"We're not overly concerned about his foot," Hoiberg said.

Guards Aaron Brooks (hamstring) and Kirk Hinrich (hip pointer) will both miss Monday's game against the Spurs.

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