Inserting rookie Coby White into the Chicago Bulls’ starting lineup is the news you didn’t always know you needed. Here’s a look at what to expect Tuesday night when Coby White and the Bulls take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tuesday night will be a night a firsts for the Chicago Bulls. In case you missed it, Coby White will take over the starting point guard role after much speculation.
Some will say the timing is right. Others may question why it took so long for the Bulls to insert White into the starting lineup. This will likely become water under the bridge after Tuesday night.
What does starting White mean for the Bulls and any potential push for the playoffs?
It could indicate the Bulls are no longer focused on staging a late-season rally. As such, development has become key for the team moving forward. But, of course, the way White is playing lately, the Bulls may see some light at the end of the tunnel to allow the team to clinch the seventh or eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Let’s be honest, the former is more likely in this instance. The Bulls still have a shot at making the playoffs numbers-wise, but the likelihood of it occurring is slim to none.
When viewers tune in to catch the Bulls-Cavaliers, the game will present an interesting matchup, even if neither team is making a playoff push. For one thing, the fans will get the opportunity to weigh in on young guard play, not only of White but also Darius Garland and Collin Sexton. White, the No. 7 overall pick of the 2019 draft, will play against the likes of other point guards that were former first-round draft prospects.
White has played well coming off the bench for the Bulls for most of the 2019-2020 season. In fact, White was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for February, where he averaged 20.1, 4.1 assists and 4 rebounds in 9 nine games. Since the All-Star break, he is averaging 25.2 points. and 4.2 assists per game.
It remains unclear if White has developed any bad habits playing as a reserve.
The good news is the Bulls are making a concerted effort to examine the young talent they have to help determine the effectiveness of the organization’s rebuild.
Was it always part of the team’s plan to start White?
I think not.
Had the Bulls attained a better record early on, the likelihood is that Tomas Satoransky would still be starting at point guard trying to help the team remain in the playoff hunt. All season long, it was understood the Bulls had a tough end to their schedule. Things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. As such, it makes sense for White to be named a starter when the Bulls face the Cavaliers.
The action is scheduled to get underway Tuesday at 7 p.m. CST.