Joakim Noah will have surgery to repair a torn ulna collateral ligament in his right thumb.  The Bulls' big man could be out of action for up to 10 weeks.

Noah was first injured in the Nov. 27 game at Sacramento, and he has played the last two weeks with ongoing discomfort and slight functional impairment.   Additionally, Noah has had significant sprains of his right index and middle fingers, which will not require surgery.

“Joakim’s injury presentation was unusual in that he was able to function at a high level with the injury.  More often, athletes are unable to play at all due to pain and instability of the thumb,” said Chicago Bulls Head Team Physician Brian Cole.

“As the days proceeded from the original injury, it became clear for all that surgery was best for Joakim,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman.  “We have always valued Joakim’s toughness and willingness to put the team above himself, but in this case his health took precedence.”