Coby White nearing return to Bulls lineup after calf strain
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White could be back on the court in mid-November after missing the start of the season with a right calf strain, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.
White has pinpointed the team’s three-game road trip starting November 16 as his likely return window. Games against the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers shortly after are also possibilities.
“That’s what I’ve been told,” White said about the timeline.
Both White and head coach Billy Donovan confirmed he’ll probably begin practicing next week. Donovan specifically mentioned the team’s three-day break starting November 13 as the “perfect time” for White to rejoin full-contact practices.
The 24-year-old guard has already made significant progress in his recovery. He’s currently participating in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 sessions with the player development staff and some teammates.
White initially suffered the injury back in mid-August. Though there was hope he might be ready for the season opener, those plans changed when he experienced calf tightness during practice.
“I just practiced, and I probably practiced a little too long, and I felt some symptoms,” White explained. “It wasn’t a re-strain or anything, it was just a minor setback.”
His return will be a massive boost for the Bulls. Last season was a breakout year for White, who averaged a career-high 20.4 points along with 3.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
He was absolutely on fire in March, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors after averaging 27.7 points and stringing together three consecutive games with 35+ points.
The UNC product even dropped a career-high 44 points against Orlando on March 6, shooting an impressive 57.1% from the floor and knocking down 7 three-pointers.
White’s remarkable improvement didn’t go unnoticed around the league. He finished second in Most Improved Player voting last season, trailing only Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey.
His timing couldn’t be better for a comeback. White is in the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract, earning $12.88 million this season. The deal includes nearly $4 million in potential incentives.
He’ll become an unrestricted free agent next summer, making this season crucial for his future earnings.
