Chicago Bulls (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls fans have not had much to cheer about this season, but rookie Coby White is giving them hope for the future.
They are essentially out of the playoff race at this point, but the Chicago Bulls have finally given fans a reason to pay closer attention. Rookie guard Coby White has blossomed before our eyes since the NBA All Star Break, and now head coach Jim Boylen is giving the kid his shot to start.
Tuesday night, the Bulls take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center. White will make his first career start just days after Boylen appeared to stand firm on his stance that the rookie would continue coming off the bench.
Surprisingly, though, Boylen changed his tune and is rolling with White in his starting lineup versus the Cavs.
Fans aren’t the only ones surprised that Boylen had a change of heart. Even White, himself, was thrown off a little bit.
“I honestly didn’t think I would be starting. Like I said, coach never put the idea out there. We never really talked about it, so I was comfortable without starting. I’m excited to start, but I was also comfortable not starting.” (via Sam Smith, NBA.com)
A pleasant surprise it is for all of us. The Bulls have been borderline unwatchable at times this year, but two guys have made it worth fans’ time.
Zach LaVine has had the best season of his career, becoming the focal point of this young Bulls team. LaVine has grown to be the guy the Bulls depend on in crucial moments, and has been unafraid in those moments.
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Along with LaVine, it’s been White who has come alive. Since the All Star Break, White has been one of the best rookies in all of basketball — if not the best. Over his last 10 games, White has put up monster numbers for a reserve: 24.1 points, 4.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting over 40 percent from three.
White has been efficient in creating his own offense — masterful, really. Watching what he does in isolation or off of the pick and roll is absolutely beautiful. He’s put on some ball-handling clinics at times while finishing the play with a step-back jumper.
Coming out of North Carolina, White was a riser as last year’s draft neared. His stock soared towards draft day, primarily because there were some teams in need of a point guard. Some didn’t think he could be this good, or this efficient, offensively. But, he’s proving to be much more than a lot of folks had him pegged to be prior to the draft.
Now starting, White will continue to do what he’s done, I’m sure. But, the thought of he and a healthy Zach LaVine should excite fans about the future of the franchise. Chicago definitely has some work to do personnel-wise, but for now, it’s White’s show. Let’s enjoy the moment and look forward.
