CHICAGO _ Wendell Carter Jr.'s promising rookie season is almost certainly over after left thumb surgery, placing the focus on the future yet again.
If the Bulls win the May 14 draft lottery, Carter knows what he would do.
Draft fellow Duke product Zion Williamson.
"He's a for-sure No. 1 draft pick. No doubt about it," Carter said Tuesday. "I don't understand how anybody can pass up his athleticism, his potential."
This isn't based on some strong Blue Devils bond. Carter didn't cross paths with Williamson except for one game Williamson attended on a recruiting visit during Carter's lone season at Duke.
This is based on Williamson's potential.
"That's a freak of nature, a once-in-a-generation-type player," Carter said of the 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward. "I believe he'll be No. 1."
Even if the Bulls don't land Williamson, Carter believes the rebuild has a promising foundation. It just hasn't had much time to take root this season because of widespread injuries. Carter, Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Bobby Portis and Denzel Valentine have missed significant time because of injuries.
"I feel like everybody here is bought in," Carter said. "We just have to get a better feel for one another when we're on the court. Especially with the draft coming up, depending on who we draft, we'll be able to mold this team into something very special."
