Bulls rookie Carter Jr. out 8-12 weeks after thumb surgery

The Chicago Bulls announced Monday that they will be without top draft pick Wendell Carter Jr. for the next two to three months after he had surgery on his left thumb.

The surgery took place on Monday to repair the damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his thumb.

Wendell Carter Jr. sustained a left thumb injury in the game at the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 15. A MRI was performed the next day in Los Angeles, with the initial diagnosis of an acute on chronic thumb sprain. He was examined today by Bulls hand specialists, Drs. John Fernandez and Mark Cohen. Repeat physical examination, testing under live fluoroscopic XR, and review of all tests determined the extent of the thumb injury and associated instability. Surgery is recommended with an anticipated recovery and return to sport time of 8-12 weeks.

Carter, the seventh overall pick in last year's NBA draft, is putting up 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks a game.

The rookie has done a nice job for Chicago, showing off some solid passing ability for a big man, and Carter's development has been one of the few bright spots for the team.

He could be back late in the season if things go as planned with his recovery, but if there is a setback he could be sidelined for the reminder of the season.