Bulls' Dunleavy out 8-10 weeks after undergoing back surgery

The Chicago Bulls will be without veteran sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy to start the season.

Dunleavy will miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing back surgery. That puts him on track for a recovery sometime in late-November, which likely knocks Dunleavy out for their first 10 games of the season.

In his absence, the Bulls could promote Tony Snell or Doug McDermott from the bench, or slide Jimmy Butler over to small forward while employing a two point-guard system.

Despite being 35 years old, Dunleavy has been a serviceable contributor for the Bulls over the last two seasons, operating primarily as a spot-up threat.

In 145 games with the Bulls, Dunleavy boasts averages of 10.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30.5 minutes per game, while canning 39.2 percent of his 3-point tries.

Dunleavy re-signed with the Bulls on a three-year, $14.4-million contract this summer.