NEWSLETTER
Wendell Carter Jr. did not practice today and is doubtful for tomorrow.
Ugh, I really don’t like how many times I’ve had to type that sentence:
"Hutchison was limited today. Harrison is out. Carter is doubtful for tomorrow. He did run today, which was good. Archie had a little stiffness in his back. Kornet practiced full today, questionable for tomorrow." – Coach Boylen pic.twitter.com/MlU1FQquCq
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 8, 2019
Before yesterday’s preseason opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, Jim Boylen expressed a bit of concern in the status of Carter Jr.’s tailbone bruise. He told reporters every time the big man attempts to warm up, the area will stiffen up. It was only about a week ago Carter Jr. was telling everyone at Bulls Media Day he felt healthier than ever, but since then he’s tweaked an ankle and fallen on his tailbone.
*facepalm*
While the injury itself isn’t too worrisome, the amount of time he’s missing out the court is. Carter Jr. hasn’t played in an NBA game since Jan. 15, and after not participating at all in Summer League, these preseason games are the real way to get back in starting shape.
Here he is talking about his progress and how he intends not to “rush it back:”
Wendell Carter Jr. on his recent injury problems and what he sees in Zion Williamson #Bulls #NBATwitter #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/4UJ8G5LXpD
— Tony Gill (@tonygill670) October 8, 2019
"He's the anchor of our defense. He's a physical presence, he takes pride in his work. He's one of our best communicators. I want him back, I tell him that every day." – Coach Boylen on Wendell Carter Jr. pic.twitter.com/y4IZVCs2R4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 8, 2019
As of now, he’s listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game. He told reporters earlier today he’ll try to participate in shoot-around, but he’s also “not going to rush it back.”
Can he just stand in the corner, not move and shoot three’s at least? (Also, he certainly looks stiff).
Also, Wendell Carter can hit 3s. He attempted only 32 in 44 games last season. pic.twitter.com/D0dTY7WlRg
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 8, 2019
As you can see above, Shaquille Harrison remains out with a hamstring issue, while Chandler Hutchison is slowly making some progress. Hutchison even joining for limited practice feels like a small victory after the real worry regarding his opening night status.
Ryan Arcidiacono is new to the Bulls injury report. According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, he participated in only half of practice with a stiff back. The Bulls third-year point guard played 18 minutes in last night’s game, scoring a total of eight points with the team’s best +/- with +4.
In GOOD news (finally!), center Luke Kornet (turf toe) practiced for the first time since the opening of Training Camp and is now listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game. If you ask me, after the usage we saw from Daniel Gafford in the first game and the minutes Markkanen had to play at center, the Bulls are probably eager to get Kornet in a game. Not to mention, Kornet’s three-ball and offensive skill set offer a much different look for the Bulls to try out. The backup center position appears up for grabs, so if Kornet wants his name firmly in the running, the sooner he can play the better.
