East Notes: Bulls, Coby White, Sixers, VJ Edgecombe, Knicks

Bulls

The Bulls will be without guard Coby White to start the season as he continues recovering from a right calf strain, the team announced.

White has resumed on-court work and is “making progress in his ramp-up phase,” according to the team’s statement. He’ll be reevaluated in two weeks, which means he’ll miss at least the first six games of the season, including Wednesday’s opener against Detroit.

White originally injured his calf in August and didn’t appear in any preseason games. Head coach Billy Donovan said over the weekend that White participated in most of Saturday’s practice and would take part in more contact drills Monday.

The 24-year-old hinted Saturday that he might not play in the opener, and Monday’s update confirms the Bulls are taking a cautious approach to avoid any setbacks.

White averaged a career-best 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds last season and is entering the final year of his contract.

He’s reportedly told the Bulls he won’t sign an extension this season due to limitations in what the team can offer under the current rules.

76ers

The 76ers may have found another gem. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick, has exceeded expectations during the preseason, showing playmaking instincts beyond what scouts expected, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Edgecombe scored 26 points with six rebounds, three assists, and five steals in Friday’s finale against Minnesota, handling lead-guard duties for Nick Nurse’s squad.

“I think he’s way ahead of where we thought he might be,” Nurse said. “We thought maybe he could play on the ball some. Now it looks like he’s ready to do that.”

Pompey reports Edgecombe is expected to start on opening night when the Sixers face Boston on Wednesday.

Knicks

With Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau as head coach, the Knicks are taking a different approach — and that includes giving young players a real shot at minutes, writes Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News.

Brown, known for deeper rotations and player development, started forward Pacome Dadiet in preseason while OG Anunoby recovered from a hand sprain. Second-year man Tyler Kolek has also impressed and could step into the backup point guard role after Malcolm Brogdon’s surprise retirement.

“I try to play as many as I can,” Brown said. “Whoever helps us win, they’ll get their chance.”

Kolek fits Brown’s pace-and-space system and made the most of his opportunity with 20 points and six assists in a preseason game last week.

“There’s urgency every single day,” Kolek said. “The hardest part isn’t getting here, it’s staying here.”