Bulls rookie Wendell Carter Jr. to miss eight to 12 weeks with thumb injury

Promising Chicago Bulls rookie Wendell Carter Jr. might miss the rest of the season due to a thumb injury. The 19-year-old will be out at least eight weeks due to ligament damage in his left thumb.

Carter initially injured himself during Tuesday’s game, but the early reports came back positive. After an MRI on Wednesday, Carter was listed as day-to-day. A visit with a hand specialist Friday revealed the true nature of the injury. Specialists recommended surgery, which will keep Carter out eight-to-12 weeks, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In 44 games, Carter is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He’s already emerged as one of the team’s best defensive players.

While Carter has shown flashes on the court, the Bulls haven’t produced as a team. At 10-35, the team sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers have been worse.

With the playoffs not in the picture, the Bulls will have to focus on finding a young star in the draft to pair with Carter if he’s unable to return until next season.

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