After the Zach LaVine trade at the NBA trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls had a scoring void that needed to be filled. The fans and the front office were looking to Coby White to take a new step in his offensive production. White has done just that for Chicago and has been honored as the most recent NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Let’s dive into White’s recent play and his accomplishment.
Bulls’ Guard Coby White Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week
White is currently playing some of the best basketball of his career so far. In 60 games this season, he is averaging 19.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Without LaVine’s, White has stepped up to be the new No. 1 option for the Bulls and is playing that role effectively. Since March 10th, of all players that have played three games, White is fifth in total field goal attempts and total points. He has proven he can be a high-volume offensive engine.
After a stellar performance over the past few games, White was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week. While the Bulls went 2-1 this week, Coby padded his stat sheet, averaging 27.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
Against the Pacers, White scored 29 with efficient 3-6 three-point shooting. In a notable matchup against Brooklyn, he accomplished 31 points. In the loss to Houston, White struggled shooting 7-21, but still managed 23 points. In all three games, he tallied exactly seven rebounds and four assists.
Across the last three games, White has been letting the ball fly with volume much higher than normal. White averages 15 shots per game but managed to let off 20, 24, and 21. He also did so with efficiency, posting impressive percentages of 55% and 50% in those first two games. His 7-21 from the field and 1-7 from three-point land outing against the Rockets in the third game brought his FG% lower to 33%. Regardless, White’s play over the past week was stellar, and it is an encouraging sign for the Bulls’ future. At 25, it’s possible White could blossom into a legit All-Star within the next few years.
Can White Continue this Play for the Remaining Season?
Since February 28th, White has yet to fall below 20 points in a single game. In that span, he has accomplished a 31 and 44-point performance including a game with seven made threes. The Bulls have also prospered from his production, going 5-3 in that span. When Coby is hitting his shots, the Bulls play winning basketball.
The Bulls currently sit at 10th in the East with a 28-39 record, 4.5 games ahead of the Toronto Raptors. It is likely they will finish the season in the 10th seed and make an appearance in the play-in tournament. As it stands, their opponent would be the Miami Heat. Chicago is 2-0 against the Heat this season. Perhaps, White can continue his high-level output and lead the Bulls into a potential playoff spot.
