Scott Williams’ right knee continued to show improvement Sunday, making surgery seem more of a distant possibility, said Bulls trainer Chip Schaefer.
Judging from the level of pain Williams experienced after damaging the patellar tendon from a simple leg stretch Friday, doctors were convinced the damage revealed by an MRI was extensive enough for surgery. On Sunday, however, Williams was able to bear weight on the leg without pain for the first time. He will be evaluated further Monday.
“There’s some cause for optimism,” Schaefer said, “but let’s put it this way: He’s definitely not going to play in Charlotte on Friday.”
As for the other ailing Bulls, Will Perdue sustained just a mild bruise on his knee Saturday night and will practice Monday, as will Stacey King, who stayed home from the weekend trip with a sore back.
John Paxson, who also missed games against Philadelphia and Washington, still has pain in his knees and is a candidate to start the season on the injured list. He is doubtful to practice early in the week, with a decision expected by midweek.
