The Chicago Bulls today announced that center Eddy Curry will not be in uniform for the rest of the 2004-05 regular season and the 2005 Playoffs. Instead, Curry will undergo a test to monitor his irregular heart beat that requires six weeks of rest while under the supervision of team doctors.

Curry, 22, has appeared in 63 games, including 60 starts, in his fourth season and averaged a career-high 16.1 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 28.7 mpg, while shooting a team-best .538 from the floor (4th in the NBA) and a career-high .720 from the free throw line. Curry led the Bulls in scoring 19 times and in rebounding on eight occasions. The 6-11, 285-pounder also posted six point-rebound double-doubles this season.

At his press conference this evening, Curry shared the following statement:

?I wanted to express my thanks to all my teammates and fans for their thoughts, prayers and ?get well? wishes over the past couple of weeks. I look forward to supporting my teammates and wish them the best as they head into the playoffs.

I remain confident that in working with the medical staff that I will eventually be cleared to continue my life as a professional basketball player and a member of the Chicago Bulls next year.?

Bulls? Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations also shared the following statement:

?Our goal throughout this process has been to rule out any possibility of increased risk to Eddy Curry?s long-term health by playing basketball. As of today, the results still remain inconclusive. Unfortunately, the next step is more tests and that will prohibit Eddy from playing the rest of the 2004-05 regular season as well as the playoffs. We all know what a huge impact Eddy provided for our club this year, but Eddy?s long-term health is now and always has been our top priority.?