Although the Bulls are, by the stats, one of the worst teams in NBA history, this is a season of optimism in Chicago. And it is due to a single man: Caleb Wilson. The breakout of the No. 4 pick in the Draft has given the Bulls the franchise-player project they’ve been chasing for so long, and with it has made the fans eagerly latch on to a year in which games are almost counted by losses.
Now, however, tougher weeks lie ahead.
The Bulls have confirmed that Wilson suffered a fracture in his right hand during Wednesday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, and he had to undergo surgery that will keep him out for a stretch. The franchise states in its release that he will be reevaluated in three weeks, but everything suggests that the recovery window will be at least a bit longer.
Shams Charania, ESPN reporter, specifically mentions a period of between four and six weeks, which would place his return closest to the Christmas period and would cause him to miss between 15 and 20 games. While not dramatic for a team with no real postseason aspirations, it is indeed a hard blow to a project that was being built around the promising small forward.
With 18.9 points and 6.2 rebounds, Caleb Wilson has started the year not only as one of the hottest rookies, but as one of the anchors of a Bulls squad that seems destined to be his team from day one. With other seasoned players showing far more doubts or delivering less efficient performances, he seized the reins as soon as he arrived, and now he will leave a group somewhat orphaned that is losing its main attraction.
