TITLE: Bulls Lose Coby White for First Two Weeks; Sixers Fast-Track Rookie VJ Edgecombe; Knicks Youth Movement Under Mike Brown
SLUG: bulls-coby-white-out-sixers-edgecombe-starting-knicks-young-core
CONTENT:
CHICAGO — The Bulls will open the season without Coby White, who is recovering from a right calf strain, the club announced Monday.
The 24-year-old guard has resumed on-court work and is moving through a ramp-up program but will be re-evaluated in two weeks. That timetable sidelines him for at least six games, including Wednesday’s home opener against Detroit.
White initially hurt the calf in August and did not appear in any preseason contests. Head coach Billy Donovan said the sixth-year guard took part in most of Saturday’s practice and was scheduled for additional contact work Monday, yet the organization elected to proceed cautiously. White averaged a career-high 20.4 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds last season and is entering the final year of his contract. He has reportedly informed team officials he will not sign an extension under current CBA limits.
Edgecombe Impresses in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe has earned an opening-night starting spot, head coach Nick Nurse said after the 76ers wrapped up preseason play.
The rookie guard posted 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and five steals while running the offense in Friday’s exhibition finale against Minnesota. Nurse called Edgecombe “way ahead” of projections and said the staff now views him as a capable on-ball option. Philadelphia visits Boston on Wednesday to begin the regular season.
Brown’s Knicks Give Youngsters a Chance
NEW YORK — New head coach Mike Brown is already expanding the Knicks’ rotation, starting 18-year-old forward Pacome Dadiet in preseason while OG Anunoby heals from a sprained hand.
Second-year guard Tyler Kolek is also pushing for minutes after Malcolm Brogdon’s unexpected retirement left a vacancy behind Jalen Brunson. Kolek finished a preseason outing last week with 20 points and six assists, fitting Brown’s pace-and-space philosophy.
“I try to play as many as I can,” Brown said. “Whoever helps us win, they’ll get their chance.” Kolek echoed the urgency: “The hardest part isn’t getting here, it’s staying here.”
All three clubs open the regular season Wednesday night.
Source: Hoops Wire
