Just over 48 hours before the Chicago Bulls were set to tip off the 2025-26 season against the Detroit Pistons, the team dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the Windy City: point guard Coby White will not be ready to start the regular season. The 25-year-old breakout star, who had been targeting a comeback for the opener, is now slated for re-evaluation in two weeks.
Coach Billy Donovan had hinted during the preseason that White could return for Wednesday’s opener, and there had even been cautious optimism that he might feature in the Bulls’ preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That hope, however, has been dashed, leaving Chicago fans and analysts alike scrambling to envision the backcourt without its electric spark.
The silver lining? White has resumed on-court work and is “continuing to make progress in his ramp-up phase for a right calf strain.” But with at least two weeks separating him from a potential return, the Bulls are staring down a critical question: who will step up to fill the void?
Rising Stars Ready to Take the Spotlight
One reason Chicago might breathe a little easier is the emergence of second-year standout forward Matas Buzelis. The 21-year-old Lithuanian-American, and native of Chicago, turned heads during the preseason, averaging 17.6 points across five games while shooting at least 54.5% from the field in four contests. Buzelis also consistently drained multiple three-pointers per game, signaling he could shoulder more offensive responsibility as the Bulls navigate White’s absence.
Guards Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu are next in line to see their minutes spike. Both players started at the two-guard spot in preseason games, and Donovan is likely to lean on whichever of the pair proves more consistent. Jones, in particular, made a strong case with an 80% shooting clip in two of his four preseason appearances—a stat that suggests he’s ready for bigger challenges.
Josh Giddey: The Calm in the Storm
While White’s absence is significant, the Bulls’ roster contains another piece capable of carrying the load: Josh Giddey. Stepping into the starting point guard role, Giddey will have increased responsibilities, but given that he nearly averaged a triple-double late last season, the Australian prodigy seems up to the challenge. His court vision and playmaking could keep Chicago’s offense fluid, even without White orchestrating from the backcourt.
What This Means for the Bulls’ Season Opener
The Bulls now face a delicate balancing act. They must integrate Buzelis, Giddey, Jones, and Dosunmu into a cohesive unit capable of surviving White’s absence. Donovan’s history of favoring guard-heavy lineups could pay dividends, but the early season will be a test of depth, resilience, and adaptability.
As the Pistons prepare for Wednesday’s clash, Chicago fans are left anxiously waiting for updates on White’s recovery—and hoping that their young stars can rise to the occasion in a moment that could define the team’s early-season trajectory.
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