The preseason of the Bulls ended with a 126-120 victory over Minnesota. The outcome was promising on paper, but one of the most important missing links was obvious: Coby White. He has been out all preseason with a calf strain and has not yet recorded a minute of play. The organization is slowly reintroducing him. He has not been cleared by the front office and the medical staff. He is near, yes, but there is one last obstacle between fans and seeing him back in the Bulls rotation.
Impact of Coby White’s Potential Bulls Return
Progress in the Bulls camp has been steady on White’s physical rehab. He has significantly progressed in conditioning, controlled activity, shooting, all the elements you would anticipate in the recovery of a player of his caliber.
He is being observed by the medical staff every day, but contact is the final significant obstacle. In a recent interview, the head coach stated that White needs to demonstrate that he can withstand full-court play without failures. It implies additional scrimmages, live drills, and even partial contact in practices. It is the last test before he can be returned to game action.
It is interesting to mention that both fans and punters are also following his recovery program very closely, as this will have a significant impact on the betting markets. It’s no surprise that offshore sports betting sites that are tested and reviewed by experts might start reviewing their odds. With the Bulls +7.5 at odds of about 1.91 to spread and the Cavaliers -7.5 on upcoming games, there’s no doubt that White’s potential return will have an impact on them.
That change highlights the extent to which a single player can influence, not only on the field, but also in the perception of markets of a game balance, but more importantly this will also be a morale booster to the team.
Recovery Has Been Careful and Not Rushed
The conditioning of White has been positive. He is now doing light scrimmages, dribbling in tight areas, faking pivot moves, and straining in lateral cuts. All of that is important. Since contact is a different story, as it may cause residual pain or swelling, the Bulls can’t rush that test. The team knows that trying to rush the process is a dangerous thing to do, to White’s physical form right now and his momentum in the future.
Context of a Contract Year Adds Weight
Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) stands on the court during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
This is further pressured by the fact that it is a contract year. White is going into the season with high expectations. He averaged 20.4 points per game last year, with modest rebounds and assists, a career high.
That production brought him more notice throughout the league, and in a weakened Eastern Conference, his robust and productive presence is all the more precious. With Boston and Indiana already having injury issues this year, a good performance by White would change the tide in Chicago’s direction.
All Eyes on Contact Drills This Week
The coaching personnel have shown patience as White prepares to return. As Donovan has pointed out, White’s process will require some time, particularly considering the nature of lower-leg injuries. He commented that regardless of how hard a player practices, it is difficult to match the physical condition of a person who has played full games.
The big question now is how White will react to an increase in contact, how his muscles, tendons, nerves will resist impact, stress, changes of direction.
Monitoring Practice Will Be Key
Although White is not guaranteed to come back, it does seem like it is about to happen. The build-up has inspired hope among teammates, staff, media, and the fan base. Everyone sees what he brings. What only remains is the last physical test, which will determine whether he is really ready to pick up where he left off.
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