Chicago Bulls: 3 Players that need to step up in Zach LaVine’s absence

Chicago Bulls that need to step up: Coby White

Bulls fans may dread seeing this name atop the list, but what an opportunity this could be for the young guard to show the fans what he can do.

It would be a major reversal of his recent play and could legitimately save his spot on the team through the coming offseason. White has been relegated to a bench role as the team can’t play him and LaVine alongside each other too much.

It’s not a talent issue, just that White is a much more natural and comfortable scorer than he is a distributor or playmaker. Well, here is his opportunity to show what he can do as a featured scorer.

With LaVine out, there will be plenty of opportunities at the guard spot to produce offensively. What a twist it would be on the crazy Bulls season that has been.

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After a rocky rookie season under former coach Jim Boylen, White started out pretty strong but eventually faded and became more of a liability to the team than an asset. Billy Donovan’s decision to move him to the bench seemed like a chance for White to score more, but he has failed to capitalize up until this point.

White is averaging just 9.4 points per game over his last eight appearances. Is there reason to believe that number will go up? Looking at his basketball talent, absolutely. Looking at his play recently, it’s not so easy to see.

We have seen crazier things, though. If the Bulls are going to stay afloat in the absence of their star player, Coby White is going to have to turn things around quickly.