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Coby White set to return from NBA’s health-and-safety protocols

By Blake Cockrum

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 21: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 21: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls reserve point guard Coby White is nearing his return to the basketball court after a two-week stint in the NBA’s health-and-safety protocols.

Coby White has been missing from the Chicago Bulls lineup for nearly two weeks after entering the NBA’s health-and-safety protocols following a positive COVID-19 test on December 1.

White, who is fully-vaccinated, stayed home when his team left for a road trip to New York the next day. He missed games against the Knicks and Nets that week, as well as a home contest against the Denver Nuggets and two road dates at Cleveland and Miami the following week.

He was preparing for a return to the court this week, but that was nixed when the NBA decided to postpone the team’s next two games — bouts with the Detroit Pistons (Tuesday) and Toronto Raptors (Thursday). Now, White won’t be on the court until at least Sunday when the Bulls take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, that’s provided that the team can get healthy, which is the league’s hope and the reason for giving them time away from basketball activities.

The Bulls currently have 10 players in the NBA’s health-and-safety protocols, and barely enough members on the active roster to field a team. White’s return will reduce that number to nine, but Alize Johnson, Zach LaVine, Troy Brown Jr., Ayo Dosunmu, Stanley Johnson, Derrick Jones Jr., Matt Thomas, DeMar DeRozan and Javonte Green are still out as they go through the protocols.

Once the Bulls get back on the court, White is likely to get increased minutes and maybe even a temporary starting role since multiple players are still sidelined. Even if it’s only for a short period of time, it could be a good thing for White. If he’s able to get more time on the hardwood and make the most of his opportunities, maybe he can get into a groove and build some confidence. He could use it after the deflating start to this season that he’s endured.

White was late to the party this season while he was recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. After finally getting back in Chicago’s rotation, White was relegated to a bench role due to the team’s depth and acquisition of point guard Lonzo Ball. Since then, White’s averaged just 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on a modest 17.6 minutes a night — all career-lows for the former Tar Heel.

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Keeping It Heel will continue to follow any developments in Coby White’s return to the court.

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