Bulls expect Carter to miss 8-12 weeks with thumb injury
Wendell Carter Jr. of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 12, 2018 | Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Bulls expect prized rookie center Wendell Carter Jr. to miss eight to 12 weeks because of a left thumb injury.
The team said Friday that surgery has been recommended for Carter, who was hurt Tuesday against the Lakers.
The injury was initially diagnosed as a sprain, but more tests and a follow-up examination with Bulls hand specialists Drs. John Fernandez and Mark Cohen on Friday revealed it was more serious and potentially season-ending.
The No. 7 overall draft pick, Carter averages 10.3 points and 7 rebounds.
The Bulls own the second-worst record in the NBA at 10-35. They have been hit hard by injuries and changed coaches, with Jim Boylen replacing Fred Hoiberg.
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