A pleasant surprise has hit the Chicago Bulls this season following a bleak start and an unfortunate Zach LaVine injury. Coby White, Chicago’s lottery pick from 2019, is having the best season of his career. White’s emergence has been a beacon of hope for the Bulls this season.
The Emergence of Coby White
Slow Starts
In his first four seasons, White averaged just 12.7 points and 3.3 assists per game. He wasn’t even close to being a centerpiece of Chicago’s offense, considering he’s had LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević as teammates. Outside of the 2021 season, where he started 51 games, White’s seasons consisted of less than 20 starts each.
White had shown glimpses of his scoring ability, however. Through his first four seasons, White’s shooting percentage remained around 42.1% from the field and 36.8% from three.
Given the Chance to Shine
Since LaVine’s injury, Chicago has gone 8-3 behind White’s increased level of play. The young guard has averaged 24.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in the last 11 games. His efficiency has improved as well, as he is shooting 50% from the field and an impressive 47.4% from three. White is also third in three-pointers made this season with 87, just behind Stephen Curry and Luka Dončić. Pretty elite company to be in for the fifth-year point guard.
LET ME STEP BACK AND KISS MYSELF.@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/I7tWOJf7Wn
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2023
Not only has White’s scoring improved, but he’s been a much more impressive playmaker as well. He has played an all-around kind of role in Donovan’s offense. With his deadly shooting and the green light to take more shots, White has gained a gravitational pull on defenders. While opponents look to prevent him from draining threes or sinking floaters, his court vision shines. White is becoming an all-around offensive hub, able to score and dish to teammates as he pleases.
On the other side of the court, White’s defensive IQ has been almost just as impressive. Near the end of a close game against the 76ers, the Bulls were up 106-104 as reigning MVP Joel Embiid had the ball with 12 seconds left. Embiid was wide open at the free-throw line, where all that stood between him and an easy layup was White. Despite the easy mismatch for the MVP, White put his hands straight up as Embiid drove and managed to avoid contact and a foul. Embiid’s shot went straight off the backboard, and the Bulls ended up sealing the game.
THAT'S HOW YOU DEFEND THE MVP pic.twitter.com/LZfgqyRTTC
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 19, 2023
White for Most Improved Player?
While Tyrese Maxey may be the favorite for Most Improved Player, White is making a case for himself. He is currently the player with the largest increase in points per game, going from 9.7 last season to 17.6 this season. That number will likely rise if he’s able to keep up this current scoring output for the rest of the season.
The question is: will White be able to sustain this level of play? Well, that will depend on if coach Billy Donovan continues to let White share the primary offensive responsibilities with DeRozan. At this point, given White’s emergence, there’s no reason not to keep feeding him the ball. A LaVine trade is likely coming soon, so that should be even more permission for the Bulls to maximize White’s usage.
The Last Word on Coby White
When the Bulls drafted White seventh overall in 2019, there were hopes that the talented guard from UNC would bring in a new era for Chicago. Despite being a late bloomer, it seems that White is finally living up to that potential. Earlier this season, it looked like Chicago blowing the team up and starting from scratch would be the best option for them. Now, the team looks much more formidable as Coby White’s rise has elevated the Bulls to a much more competitive spot.
