Coby White remains out for at least another two weeks. The 25-year-old Chicago Bulls guard continues to rehab from a right calf strain that he originally suffered in an August offseason workout. This injury has obviously prevented him from playing doggedly through all of preseason. He will miss the preseason totally and the regular season opener vs. the Pistons.
On Saturday, White returned to practice for the first time since training camp opened. This announcement had led to some hope that his recovery would be speedy. Medical personnel have echoed that he needs more time to heal before returning to game action. The Bulls will find it a challenge to get through their early season LE with one of their most consistent offensive weapons.
White’s development during these last two seasons have made the former Tar Heel a critical cog in the machine for the Bulls. He averaged a career high 20.4 points per game last season. He added on 4.5 assists and was a very efficient scorer, shooting 45% from the field. He’s got a nice looking jump shot, shooting 37% from deep. This newly developed skill has turned him into a key piece of the Bulls’ offense.
Entering the final year of a three-year, $36 million deal, White’s current season looks to be a make-or-break one for the 32-year ride. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. This potentiality exerts additional pressure given that he—and only he—will be judged by his ability to return at or near his previous peak form. His injury is all the more worrying considering his history as a component of their starting backcourt.
Without White, the Chicago Bulls will have to operate differently as they get ready for the regular season. His contributions will be missed, particularly in matchups against aggressive teams like the Pistons. The team’s coaching staff will likely look to other players to step up and fill the gap left by White’s absence.
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