Wendell Carter Jr. could be out 8-to-12 weeks after surgery

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In the first part of the season, the Bulls were overwhelmed with injuries. It now appears the team has been dealt a massive injury blow.

Rookie center Wendell Carter Jr.'s left thumb injury is severe enough that surgery is recommended for Carter. If he has surgery, the Bulls said in a press release he is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks.

Carter suffered the injury Tuesday at the Lakers. An MRI on Wednesday showed a sprain and further tests from team specialists resulted in the recommendation.

If Carter is out for 12 weeks, he could miss the rest of the season. The 19-year-old has been a bright spot for the Bulls this season, averaging 10.3 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field.

Carter losing development time in a season where the Bulls are primarily focusing on trying to develop their young core is a blow to a rebuilding effort. The Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson said Carter could still opt out of surgery and try to play through the injury.

Johnson followed up with a source saying surgery is "almost certainly" the plan.

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