Make-or-break stretch for Chicago Bulls players: Coby White
A critical player for the Bulls backcourt rotation that has stepped up in a big way in an elevated role of late is the second-year former North Carolina Tar Heels point guard Coby White. This 21-year-old North Carolina native and seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft for the Bulls is playing some of his best basketball of the season in the last two weeks.
He’s worked his way back into the starting five, as combo guard Tomas Satoransky missed one game due to an illness. But Sato has been back in the rotation for the last two games, and White remained with the starting unit. If he continues to produce at a high level, and lead this Bulls team to find more success in the win column, then he might remain in the starting five down the stretch.
This elevated role for White could be one of his major opportunities in the early stages of his NBA career to make an impact on the Bulls’ new front office regime. He could have a brighter future with the core of this Bulls team if he’s able to find more consistency in his game down the stretch this season.
White caught fire down the stretch last year during his rookie campaign. If he can do the same this season, it could give the Bulls a major playoff push.
In 54 games played so far this season, White averaged 14.4 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.2 blocks. And he’s shot 40.7 percent from the field, 34.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 91.2 percent from the free-throw line.