Coby White May Have Already Played Himself Into a Larger Early-Season Role

The Chicago Bulls have unleashed Coby White this preseason, and he hasn’t disappointed.

White is averaging a team-high 26.4 minutes per game through the team’s first four matchups (13th most in the NBA), and with 16.8 points per game, he’s also the Bulls second-leading scorer (behind only Zach LaVine, who’s 23.3 points per game rank 5th in the NBA). And with this performance, plus the longer leash, White may well have played himself into a larger early-season role.

And that’s great!

Given the Summer League skepticism regarding his potential immediate impact, it’s nice to see that his explosive skill set and natural scoring ability have translated into the NBA environment (so far). All the rookie has done is exceed expectations, and it’s great to see him taking it all in: “I just feel like I’m learning,” White told the Sun-Times. “I’m taking big steps. And every day is a process. I’m just trying to continue to get better every day.” Well, he’s a fast learner.

Getting into the weeds, head coach Jim Boylen has witnessed some pretty substantial improvement over these past two games, after an already solid performance in the rookie’s first two preseason games.

Specifically, White’s shooting was a clear area of improvement after a rough go at Summer League. During the Bulls first two preseason games against the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans, White went 36 percent (9-25) from the field and 25 percent (2-8) from three-point range. In his last two performances against the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, White upgraded those numbers to 42 percent (16-38) from the field and 38 percent (8-21) from behind the arc.

Of course, these numbers come with a pretty large increase in attempts, but that has also clearly helped White get into a rhythm. If you don’t believe me, just watch it. Last night against the Raptors, White hit four three’s for the second-straight game.

During games against the Bucks and Pelicans, we saw much more of what White could do on the fast-break and in the paint, but over these past two games, we’re seeing the jumper added to his repertoire. Part of that – at least last night – has to do with White playing a bulk of his minutes with a better lineup on the floor. While White has the capability to work off the dribble behind the arc, he’s probably an ever more capable spot-up shooter.

He just doesn’t have the basketball IQ quite yet to let it fly on his own from three consistently, even though he may be able to create the separation with some crafty ball-handling.

White’s shooting mixed with his sheer speed was reason enough to have him as the first guard off the bench last night. Considering Boylen discussed that yesterday’s game, as well as Thursday’s, will feature lineups and rotations similar to what we can expect to see in the regular season, it appears as though White will be heavily involved.

In a game where almost all the starters (not Wendell Carter Jr.) received 20+ minutes, White had the most minutes off the bench with 23. He played off the ball a lot, which will, most likely, be where we see most of his action with the lack of wing depth plaguing this team. Keep in mind, this is also why we’ll probably see a lack of assists become a trend for White.

Eventually, White will have to add this to his game if he wants to become the true point guard this team needs. It’s a bit concerning we’ve only seen one assist over these past two games, but I think when the regular season starts, and the green light to put up 12 three’s turns yellow, we’ll see the rookie have to become a bit more passive. And remember, he’s a quicker learner.

White’s ability to make adjustments is like him in transition: fast.

As expressed during Training Camp, the Bulls didn’t know he could come along this quickly, but I’m sure they’re glad he has.

(Photo by Getty Images)

written by

Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

more bulls news

What Would be the Best Draw for the Chicago Bulls in the Play-In Tournament?

Nine games stand between the Chicago Bulls and the Play-In Tournament. I know ... yippie! Practically locked into the No. 9 seed, this puts them in line to host the No. 10 seed at the United Center in Round 1....

Best Defense of the Season, Playing Big, Javonte Green’s Instant Impact, and Other Bulls Bullets

Lose to the 14-win Wizards one game and hold the Pacers' elite offense to their worst performance of the season the next. Your 2023-24 Chicago Bulls, everyone! As I said in last night's Enhanced Box Score, I'm now even more...

WOW: Minnesota Timberwolves Sale to Alex Rodriguez Falls Through

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a bomb on Thursday morning. According to a statement released by the Timberwolves and Lynx ownership group, the franchise is no longer for sale. A transition of power was thought to be in place over the...

Enhanced Box Score: Bulls 125, Pacers 99 – March 27, 2024

I got to be honest, I'm even more upset about the Washington Wizards' loss. If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the...

Javonte Green Makes Bulls Return… Immediately Does Awesome Stuff

Javonte Green has officially made his Chicago Bulls debut ... again. The 30-year-old signed with the organization via a 10-day hardship deal on March 22. Injuries to Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Julian Phillips paved the way for...

WATCH: Alex Caruso Snatches Rookie Ben Sheppard’s Ankles

Alex Caruso will always be known for his defense capabilities, but he's showing a lot more than that this season. The veteran guard is averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career. A big part of that has...

Draymond Green Ejected Less Than 4 Minutes Into Game Against Orlando

Draymond Green was at it again on Wednesday night. Out East to take on the Orlando Magic, the Golden State Warriors watched Paolo Banchero bulldoze Andrew Wiggins to the rim early in the first quarter. As Banchero high-fived his teammates...

Pre-Gamin’: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls (7:00 CT), Projected Lineups, How to Watch, More

Everything was awful on Tuesday. Be Better. https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1772971933161705610?s=20 Game Info Indiana Pacers (41-32) at Chicago Bulls (34-38) – 7:00 p.m. CT on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio) Projected Starting Lineups Chicago Bulls Coby White Alex Caruso Ayo Dosunmu...

Around the Association: Caitlin Clark Gets Big(3) Offer, Knicks Getting Help, Lakers OT Thriller, More

It's hard to believe we have less than three weeks remaining in the NBA's regular season, and we should be in for some real drama down the stretch. The Knicks have plenty to play for in their remaining 11 games...

WHOA: NCAA Looking to Ban Prop Betting on All College Athletes

As the NCAA men's basketball tournament gears up for the Sweet Sixteen, the college sports world received some big news. On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that NCAA president Charlie Baker wants to officially ban prop betting on college...

Latest News

Braves vs. Phillies Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Atlanta Braves start their season as road favorites (-125) in a matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday at 3:05 PM ET, live on BSSO from Citizens Bank Park.Spencer Strider will get the ball for Atlanta while Philadelphia will...

Washington State vs. Illinois Women’s Basketball: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Two hot teams meet when the Washington State Cougars (21-14) host the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-15) on April 1, 2024. The Cougars will put their three-game win streak on the line against the Fighting Illini, who have won three straight.On...

Villanova vs. Penn State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Villanova Wildcats (21-12) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Penn State Lady Lions (22-12) on April 1, 2024. The Lady Lions have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Villanova...

Brewers vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Milwaukee Brewers open their season as -110 favorites in a road matchup with the New York Mets on Friday at 1:40 PM ET, live on SNY.Freddy Peralta gets the starting nod for Milwaukee while Jose Quintana is New York's...

Braves vs. Phillies Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Philadelphia Phillies (0-0) host the Atlanta Braves (0-0) in an Opening Day contest at 3:05 PM ET on Friday.The Braves will call on Spencer Strider against the Phillies and Zack Wheeler.Braves vs. Phillies Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...

Suns vs. Thunder Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The matchup's point total is...

Brewers vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

The Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) and the New York Mets (0-0) face off on Friday at Citi Field for Opening Day. First pitch is at 1:40 PM ET.The Brewers will look to Freddy Peralta versus the Mets and Jose Quintana.Brewers vs....

Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

more bulls news