Rajon Rondo Injury: Updates on Bulls Star's Ankle and Return

Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said point guard Rajon Rondo will not play Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers after suffering a left ankle sprain, perNick Friedell of ESPN.com.Continue for updates.Grant to Start in Rondo's PlaceTuesday, Nov. 15Friedell noted second-year player Jerian Grant will start for Rondo against Damian Lillard and Portland.Rondo, 30, was one of the bright spots for the Sacramento Kings last year in an otherwise disappointing season, averaging 11.9 points, 11.7assists, 6.0rebounds and 2.0steals per contest.He picked the right moment to have a resurgent campaign, after his dreadful 2014-15 season with the Dallas Mavericks, as he was one of the top players to hit free agency over the summer and signed a two-year deal with the new-look Bulls.Of course, Rondo had a tall task in Chicago, essentially replacing superstar Derrick Rose at the position after he was traded to the New York Knicks. He joined fellow free-agent signee Dwyane Wade in Chicago and Robin Lopez and Grant, who came over in the Rose trade.Rondo's job is to facilitate for a team with plenty of solid players but some unusual fits. Wade and Jimmy Butlerboth traditionally shooting guardsare now trying to coexist in the starting lineup, 2014 first-round pick Doug McDermott is attempting to have a breakout season and the team is looking to find minutes for its talented power forwards, Taj Gibson, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.Rondo's job, then, is to keep everyone happy and run the offense. Without his prowess in doing just that while he is sidelined, the team will likely turn to Grant as the starter, while rookie Denzel Valentine is also capable of running the offense, something he often did as the primary ball-handler while at Michigan State. You can follow Timothy Rapp onTwitter.
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