Chicago Bulls guard Coby White faced a setback just as he was gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season. After recently being cleared for full-contact practice following a calf strain, the Bulls announced that White would not be ready for the opening game on Wednesday, with a reevaluation scheduled in two weeks.
Head coach Billy Donovan described the situation, saying, ‘‘It wasn’t a setback,’’ but noted that White felt tightness after participating in practice, prompting concerns about his readiness. Originally, the plan was for White to play limited minutes, but that may not happen until he can practice without pain.
As things stand, White is expected to miss several key games, including those against the Pistons, Magic, Hawks, Kings, and two matchups with the Knicks. There is a possibility he could also be sidelined for games against the 76ers, Bucks, and Cavaliers, adding uncertainty to his return.
Fellow guard Josh Giddey expressed disappointment over White’s injury, highlighting his importance to the team’s dynamics. White and Giddey developed a strong synergy last season, culminating in a remarkable 15-5 finish, and both players were looking forward to continuing that momentum. Giddey acknowledged the nature of the game, stating, “Injuries are part of the game; it happens,” and expressed confidence that the team would regain its rhythm when White returns.
This injury is especially significant as White opted not to pursue a contract extension before the season, choosing instead to play for a potentially larger deal as an unrestricted free agent next summer. While this setback does complicate the Bulls’ plans, both parties are committed to resuming discussions when the time is right.
The Bulls also recently learned that they will be without reserve center Zach Collins for at least a month due to wrist surgery. This unfortunate news compounds the challenge facing the team as they strive to start the season strong.
“It’s definitely a bummer being without Coby and Zach,” said guard Tre Jones. He underscored the importance of depth in the NBA and expressed confidence that other players would be ready to step in. With White averaging 24.5 points and 4.4 rebounds during the final stretch of last season, his absence is a significant loss, and the Bulls will need contributions from Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and others to help fill the void.
Donovan echoed the sentiments of his players, noting the hard work and commitment shown by both White and Collins. The Bulls are now faced with the task of navigating their season while adapting to these challenging circumstances, with hope that the team’s resilience will shine through in White’s eventual return.