Chicago Bulls rookie big man Wendell Carter Jr. may require surgery on his injured left thumb, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
A follow-up exam showed that Carter Jr. has ligament damage in his thumb. Houston Rockets center Clint Capela underwent surgery for a similar injury on Thursday and will reportedly miss four-to-six weeks.
Carter Jr. suffered the injury against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at Staples Center.
Here’s what it stands, per sources: As of now, first specialist is advising surgery but Carter could seek additional input/consultations. Either way, expect rookie center to be sidelined for a stretch.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 18, 2019
Carter suffered the injury in Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers when he tripped over Tyson Chandler and fell, bending the thumb as he braced himself. X-rays that night appeared to show a fracture. The team feared a six- to eight-week absence
In a rebuild season, Wendell Carter Jr. should get the surgery so he doesn't injure his thumb even more by playing through it. He's too important for the future of the franchise to risk anything.
In 44 games this season, Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 79.5 percent from beyond the arc.
The Bulls, who are one of the worst teams in the NBA, are currently on a nine-game losing streak. Their last win came on Dec. 28 against the Washington Wizards. Chicago is 10-35 on the year.
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