Wendell Carter Jr., the seventh overall pick of the Chicago Bulls in the 2018 NBA Draft, was getting a better feel for the game before suffering a potentially season-ending injury.

Carter Jr. suffered a thumb injury on Jan. 15 against the Los Angeles Lakers. While initial diagnosis was a minor sprain, further examination revealed that the Duke product will need to go under the needle.

Per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the 19-year-old revealed that he was learning more about the game before going down with the injury:

“It’s disappointing because I feel I would’ve had a strong finish to the season,” Carter said. “Right before I got hurt, I really felt I was starting to understand the game a bit more.”

Through 44 games — all of which were part of the starting line up, Carter Jr. logged in 10.3 points per night, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 25.2 minutes.

Recovery time for the thumb surgery will take some 8-12 weeks. He might be able to play a few more games for the Bulls but it seems that the Bulls aren't planning to take any risks.

For his part, Carter Jr. looking forward to the next season. He knows that his physical activity will be limited and thus, intends to review some basketball film and learn from it.

“I can still watch and learn. I’m also looking at my own film and trying to learn from that,” he said. “There’s a lot I can still do.”

Indeed, Bulls fans should expect a new and improved Carter Jr. next season.