Suddenly there's a point of interest for Bulls with camp underway

Coby White might not want to get out of the point-guard mindset just yet. He could be the Bulls’ best option when they open the preseason next week in Cleveland.

Josh Giddey, who had been expected to be the starter, revealed Monday that the ankle injury he suffered during the Olympics was more serious than first thought.

“I did my ankle on the last play of the game against Serbia,” Giddey said. “I ruptured my ATFL [anterior talo-fibular ligament]. We thought it was just a regular ankle [injury] at the time, but I flew back and got scans, and they kind of confirmed that. ... It’s getting better.”

But it’s not there yet. And Giddey, who was acquired from the Thunder in a trade for Alex Caruso in June, wasn’t able to jump into the Bulls’ first full practice Tuesday.

No problem. Next man up: Lonzo Ball.

Actually, significant problem. While did take some contact in practice Tuesday, he hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 14, 2022, as he attempts to return following extensive knee issues and a surgery that “pretty much” gave him “a brand-new knee.”

The plan is to have both Giddey and Ball ready to go in some capacity when the regular season begins Oct. 23 in New Orleans. But as the Bulls have learned when it comes to injuries and expectations, nothing is promised.And that’s where White comes in.

As the Bulls’ lead guard — a job given to him, revoked and given to him again at the start of last season — he finished second to the 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey for the Most Improved Player Award, averaging 19.1 points and 5.1 assists. When Giddey was acquired, the likely plan for White was to be off the ball again, playing more two guard. But that plan could wait for the time being.

“Just adapt,” White said. “I’m used to playing different roles. I’ve been doing it my whole career. On the ball, off the ball, whatever it may be. I think I’ve thrived in multiple roles.”

There could be more intrigue to the situation. Despite efforts to trade him, two-time All-Star Zach LaVine remains a Bull and is heavily factored in their plans. He has the ability to bring the ball up and take over as lead playmaker, especially late in games, as he showed during the 2020-21 season, when he averaged a career-best 4.9 assists.

Giddey, Ball, White, LaVine and even Ayo Dosunmu off the bench. Figuring out point guard sounds like a headache for coach Billy Donovan — one that takes him back to his days coaching the Thunder.

“Just looking at the roster, we have a lot of guys that need the ball in their hands,” Donovan said. “We were in a little bit of a similar situation in Oklahoma City with [Dennis] Schroder, Chris Paul and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]. Those guys were all great to work with, and they all understood that there was a sacrifice that goes into it.

“[These guys are] all going to have to sacrifice. You can’t have one guy with the ball in his hands all the time. We’ve got to play in a way that showcases and plays to the strength of all those guys.”

That sounds just fine by White.

“Would I want to have the ball in my hands all the time? Sure,” he said. “But that’s not realistic. I’ve got other good guards on this team that are just as good with the ball in their hands, so for me, it’s just doing what’s best for the team, and I’m excited about this year coming up. Like I said, I can play on the ball and off the ball. And that’s something I take pride in.”