Wendell Carter Jr. hasn’t played in a Bulls game since he tore ligaments in his left thumb on Jan. 15.
Then, he missed all of summer league because of a surgical procedure to repair a core muscle injury.
But the second-year big man, sounding more than a bit frustrated, says he’s anxious for the upcoming season.
“Year 2 otw … after dealing with a couple setbacks and many roadblocks … I am more than anxious to get back out on the court,” Carter wrote Thursday night on Instagram. “The Chicago bulls are one hell of organization who is know for winning in the past and we’ve let this city down this past year … it’s been long enough and I’m ready to give this city what they’ve been begging to see … going into my sophomore year as a professional athlete, I’m wiser, stronger, and a better basketball player … I’m ready to give this city my blood, sweat, and tears …. who’s ready for year 2 #bullsnation ?”
Carter played 44 games in his rookie season in 2018-19 until Jan. 15 when he tripped over Lakers center Tyson Chandler and on the ensuing fall, tore a ligament in his left thumb that warranted surgery.
He finished with averages of 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks.
The Bulls said Carter is expected to be ready for training camp in September.
“He has a huge upside,” executive vice president John Paxson said in March. “Wendell has to work on his body, get stronger, more physical. What he probably learned as a starter this year is some of the big bodies he goes up against every night can be difficult. (Magic center Nikola) Vucevic comes to mind for a couple of games that were physically difficult for him. We need him to be in the weight room working.”