We’re only three days into Training Camp, but Wendell Carter Jr. has already suffered two minor injuries (sigh …).
After tweaking his ankle on Day 1, Carter Jr. returned for one full day of practice before suffering a tailbone contusion that kept him off the court today.
According to Coach Boylen, Wendell Carter Jr. did not practice today (tailbone contusion). He is day to day.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 3, 2019
As of now, it’s unclear exactly when the injury took place. NBC Sports Chicago’s Mark Strotman reported that Carter Jr. landed on his tailbone twice and therefore the Bulls decided to keep him out of practice. Although, as listed above, the Bulls simply reported that Carter Jr. did not practice today. Either way, I really don’t like this injury rollercoaster, can I please get off?
Indeed, most of the recent talk surrounding Carter Jr. has been regarding his “healthier-than-ever” body, but the start of training camp is further pressing questions about his durability. As I’ve mentioned before, none of Carter Jr.’s injuries have been major – even his core muscle procedure from this offseason was an optional surgery to remove discomfort – but these little bumps and bruises can add up.
Either Carter Jr.’s on a bad string of luck, or he’s still working to get fully conditioned. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back at practice tomorrow, but let’s hope this is the end of the short-practice road for Carter Jr.
In other news … Daniel Gafford, who suffered a hyperextended elbow on Day 1, practiced fully for the second-straight day, but guard Shaquille Harrison tweaked a hammy, according to Strotman. We haven’t seen any information yet on whether Harrison is expected to miss time.
Otto Porter Jr. and Thaddeus Young did not practice today, but that was apparently a kind reward from Boylen. I know, shocking!
“I held out Otto and Thad today, we just felt like they needed a veteran day. They have practiced really hard, they have been here all September.” – Coach Boylen on Day 3 of Training Camp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 3, 2019