Bulls guard Coby White tests positive for COVID-19

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White missed the start of the 2021-22 NBA regular season after having offseason shoulder surgery surgery and is now unavailable for a different reason.

ESPN's Jamal Collier notes that Bulls head coach Billy Donovan confirmed Wednesday that White tested positive for COVID-19 and, thus, won't travel with the team for upcoming road games against the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Assuming White remains in the NBA's health and safety protocols for at least 10 days, he'll be out for a minimum of five total contests. 

Bulls All-Star center Nikola Vucevic was sidelined for seven games last month after he tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Every Chicago player is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but a report emerged Tuesday that the NBA recently completed a study with infectious disease specialists and testing manufacturers that shows individuals who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago or the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at least six months ago should get booster shots as soon as possible to help avoid breakthrough cases. 

Donovan said the Bulls have left decisions about receiving booster shots "up to individual preference." 

White averaged 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists across his first nine games (one start) this season.