Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Coby White has made his return to the Bulls’ lineup this week after a three-game absence due to an injured right hip. However, he has yet to fully recuperate from the brief hiatus.
Coach Billy Donovan mentioned “timing” as a concern, particularly evident in White’s 3-of-11 shooting performance during Saturday’s loss to Boston. White himself acknowledges the need for improvement in this aspect of his game.
“At this point of the season when you miss a week it feels like a lot longer than that,” White said. “So for me I don’t want to force it. Just let the game come to me. I’m just trying to go out there and contribute any way I can right now.”
According to Cowley, White’s performance this season has likely altered the organization’s perspective on the roster. Despite signing an extension last summer, White has experienced a breakout year, boasting averages of 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 68 games. Consequently, he has emerged as a contender for the Most Improved Player award.
“Obviously the summer, him signing a long-term deal, we made the commitment to him that we wanted him to be here,” Donovan said.
“What Coby has done you would want to create organizationally a runway for him to continue to grow, continue to develop. But I haven’t necessarily had the discussion where it’s been, ‘Wow, we got this guy and now we’ve got to do this.’”
Coby White still doesn't feel 100 percent: https://t.co/TT0FwQNohA
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 24, 2024
