Chicago Bulls: 3 Takeaways from 113-97 win over the Pacers
Chicago Bulls: Takeaway no. 2 – The point guard rotation is best as is
Eyebrows were raised when the Bulls shifted Coby White to the bench in favor of veteran guard Tomas Satoranksy shortly after the all-star break. It made sense at the time and makes even more sense now, but it still was worth discussing given the draft capital invested in White as the team’s point guard of the future.
In this one, we got one of the best displays yet of why this current rotation is best for the team. Satoransky did what Donovan needs from his starting guard. He got the team set up in their offense in the halfcourt and got the ball to his teammates where they need it in transition.
His box score won’t jump out at you like it did last game. Sato finished with 7 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. He took just seven total shots on the night, including two three-point attempts. He knocked down one of those two.
Still, how he commanded the team and kept things moving throughout the course of the game is exactly what the Bulls need from their starting guard. White is by far the better scorer of the two and the Bulls have enough scoring in their starting five between all-stars Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.
With White coming off the bench he was able to play the game in a more instinctive manner and not overthink getting the offense set and making sure the teams’ two all-stars were getting the looks they need. It led to an efficient 5-9 shooting night for White, who finished the game with 13 points.
He also chipped in six assists as the teams’ sixth man to go with 3 rebounds. The assists tend to come for White when he is confident and playing the game without worrying about the little things. The best way for him to be confident at this point is to be allowed to play his style of basketball.
That begins with scoring the ball. The current dynamic is perfect for the Bulls point guards and the rest of the team. Expect this to remain the depth chart moving forward this season.