The Bulls were 2-1 for their last three games, and much of that has to do with the much-maligned G Coby White. Over the past three games, he averaged 22 PPG, 6.1 APG, four 3PTM, 46 FG%, and only two TOPG. White and G Zach Lavine were supposed to be one of the more dangerous duos this season. While Lavine is having a career year, White has struggled to be anything but inconsistent. Nobody on the Bulls needed to get going like captain Coby White.
Overall, the Bulls have not been able to have their core players (White, Lavine, F Lauri Markkanen, and F/C Wendell Carter Jr) together on the floor for much of this season. With F Lauri Markkanen out with an injury, White has had a chance to become that second option many Bulls fans want him to be. Also, the trade talks may have motivated White to play at the level Bulls management were hoping for.
The Bulls are rumored to be looking at a trade for G Lonzo Ball from the New Orleans Pelicans. Ball would move White to a reserve role, or the Bulls could go super small and play all three guards (Ball, White, and Lavine) together. I have been screaming for the Bulls to move White back to his bench role. Last season, White thrived from the bench, but now I want to see if he can build momentum off this latest burst. Either way, I would like to see the Lonzo Ball deal go through because I think the whole team, including White, would benefit from having a true PG on the team to run this explosive offense.
The Bulls now sit at 11-15 after their thrilling 120-112 overtime win against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. They now find themselves only half a game out of the playoffs. The Bulls just got Carter back, and he looked terrific going up against one of the best frontlines (F Myles Turner and C Domantas Sabonis). With White playing well and Carter coming back, this team might be primed for a run. And when Markannen comes back, this team has a great chance to not only make the playoffs but give the other playoff teams a run for their money with all their offensive firepower.
The Bulls have three games left this week. After a brief cancellation, the game on Wednesday was rescheduled against the Detroit Pistons. The original matchup against the Charlotte Hornets had to be canceled due to COVID concerns. One of these games is against the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia 76ers. Hopefully, White and the team continue to play tough like they have done this past three games.