More matter-of-factly than maliciously, Bulls coach Scott Skiles hinted at reducing Ben Wallace's playing time further as the veteran center continues to be bothered by a sore left ankle.

"If he's injured and can't get it done out there, we have to get somebody in there who can," Skiles said after Monday's two-hour practice at the Berto Center.

Expect rookie Joakim Noah to take some of Wallace's minutes if the veteran's jumping ability continues to be hampered. Wallace, who is averaging only 3.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game, admitted as much Saturday night in Milwaukee.

To illustrate Wallace's ineffectiveness, Ben Gordon has 20 defensive rebounds to Wallace's three in the Bulls' 0-3 start.

"If he's not injured at all, he never gets treatment, and he's still getting treatment," Skiles said of Wallace. "He came in (Sunday, a day off) for treatment. "There have been times he's been injured and not gotten treatment because he knows he can play through it. So it's obviously still bothering him."

Posted by newyorknewyork:

Ben Wallace is averaging 4.3pts, 3.7rebs, & 1.7blks in 29mins for the last 3 games.

He was played 37mins last game and had only 5 rebs. Had only 2rebs in 27mins the first game.

Is he done?

Bulls might get desperate if he is really declining this fast and he is still owed around 45mil over the next 3yrs.

Posted by TMS:

Posted by newyorknewyork:

Ben Wallace is averaging 4.3pts, 3.7rebs, & 1.7blks in 29mins for the last 3 games.

He was played 37mins last game and had only 5 rebs. Had only 2rebs in 27mins the first game.

Is he done?

Bulls might get desperate if he is really declining this fast and he is still owed around 45mil over the next 3yrs.

if he's really declining that fast, why would we want him? (unless that wasn't what u were implying... the last sentence sorta implies it tho)