If someone had said that the Chicago Bulls would have started the 2025-26 campaign with a 6-1 record, many would think they were in a dream. Sportsbooks had the team at 32.5 wins on the year, more likely to grab the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft than to make the playoffs. They've been underdogs in five of their first seven outings, yet have somehow come away with only one loss and remain undefeated in the United Center. This should bring happy news all around, right? For one player, it might not all be good news.
Where Does Coby White Fit In?
Coby White has been a fan-favorite in Chicago since his arrival. He's shown clear improvements each year, and when Zach LaVine went down to injury two seasons ago, he blossomed as a potential star. That season, he was robbed of the league's Most Improved Player award after his gigantic leap in production. With the current group rolling at full speed, where does he fit in the equation?
Coach Donovan on a timeline for Coby White (calf):
— ChicagoBullsCentral (@BullsCentral_) November 4, 2025
"The hope is, in a couple weeks, he’ll play."
Plan is for White to begin practicing next week, Donovan says. pic.twitter.com/7ld6Tl7j2d
A similar example to Chicago's predicament was seen on the opposing sideline last night. Jared McCain was one of the most electric rookies in the league last season, but missed the beginning of this year due to injury. In his absence, VJ Edgecombe has been excellent. Primarily due to a minutes restriction to integrate him back into regular action, McCain came off the bench in favor of Edgecombe tonight. With Philadelphia firing on all cylinders and the rookie putting up over 20 points per night on incredible efficiency, can they pivot back to McCain, or ride the hot hand? With the Bulls playing the best basketball seen in Chicago in the last decade, will White's addition elevate or imbalance the current flow?
Most Think He Will Push Chicago To Contention
Keep in mind that the suggestion that White's job is in jeopardy upon his return is a hypothetical scenario, playing devil's advocate. He's been one of the elite scorers on the team over the last few seasons, stretches the floor like nobody else on this roster, and can hang 30 or more points with ease, unlike anyone else on the team. Surely, he will fit right in. However, this team has been built on defensive switches, physicality, and ball movement on offense. While he is a willing passer and a great playmaker, he will be a ball-dominant player that Chicago hasn't featured yet this year. Outside of Josh Giddey, most of the roster operates best away from the rock.
When Coby White returns, the team will have to readjust. But let’s be real: you’re going to need a nuclear scorer like Coby when the elite Western teams come calling. He’s the only Bull who bends a defense 35 feet from the hoop. His return won’t hurt — it’ll make everyone better. pic.twitter.com/MtGdaXliQy
— See Red Fred (@cbefred) November 2, 2025
The only hesitation to thinking that White will be nothing but positive for a group that is playing their best basketball right now is the lack of system fit. His defense will be among the weakest on the court, his offensive style thrives better with the ball in his hands, and his quantity of shot attempts creates caution. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged over seven three-point attempts per night, whereas this group has nobody shooting over five per night, with six players shooting over four. He has also attempted over 15 field goals per game, and only Giddey currently has that volume. The team has six players taking eight or more shots per contest. Adding such a tremendous offensive volume player, with a weak defensive presence, might cause a shockwave to the current machine.
Will adding Coby White back put the Chicago Bulls in true contention talks, or will trying to force his game onto this unit throw things into disarray?
