Report: Bulls' Wendell Carter Day-to-Day as Test on Thumb Injury Reveals Sprain

The most important part of the Chicago Bulls' season at this point is the development of their young players, and one of them reportedly has avoided a serious thumb injury. 

According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, a second test on the left thumb of Wendell Carter Jr. revealed a sprain and an intact ligament instead of a fracture. As a result, he will not need surgery and has been deemed day-to-day.

Johnson had previously reported the team hadn't ruled out the possibility of a broken thumb and surgery before the results of the second test.

Chicago selected Carter with the No. 7 overall pick out of Duke in the 2018 draft, and he is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his rookie season. He has also established himself as an impressive interior defender at the NBA level.

Opponents are shooting six percent worse than their normal averages within six feet of the basket when he defends them, per NBA.com.

There is no need for a Bulls team that has lost eight in a row and is 10-34 on the season to rush him back before he is ready. They are nowhere near playoff contenders and would be unwise to risk further injury to Carter, one of their young assets alongside Lauri Markkanen, by having him on the floor if he is less than 100 percent.

Chicago also has Robin Lopez and Cristiano Felicio to play center in the meantime as it plays its way toward a favorable pick in the 2019 draft.