Coby White is no longer just a developing piece for the Bulls — he’s the engine driving their resurgence.
The 25-year-old guard is averaging career-highs across the board, putting up 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game this season.
“It’s been good. It’s been a year of growth for me obviously, starting in another role… again,” White told NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “So for me, I look at that as another challenge to continue to get better…”
Chicago finished the regular season at 39-43, securing the No. 9 seed in the East and setting up a Play-In battle against the Miami Heat.
White, now in his sixth year, emphasized how the team’s identity has changed significantly. “We did a complete 180 with the way that we’re playing and I think it’s beneficial for us,” he said.
Instead of last season’s stagnant, isolation-heavy possessions, this year’s Bulls are leaning on ball movement, pace, and collective effort.
“I think it’s just electric fun! Our playing style… we got a youth movement kind of thing going on,” White said. “How connected we are and it’s fun to be out there.”
Much of that shift came after the team parted ways with Zach LaVine at the trade deadline, sending the longtime franchise centerpiece to Sacramento.
“I miss him as a person… he’s been here since I’ve been here,” White admitted. “Our relationship grew closer than just being teammates… his dad still watches my games and relays messages to me.”
With LaVine gone, the Bulls retooled by acquiring Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and Kevin Huerter — a trio that added depth and versatility to the rotation.
“Since he [Collins] got here, he’s bringing a whole another level of physicality. He’s a bruiser, he rebounds tremendously well,” White said.
The chemistry clicked quickly. “Me and him clicked right away… his locker is next to mine… we hold each other accountable.”
Despite losing a former All-Star, the Bulls improved their chemistry and found new rhythm down the stretch.
“When Zach went to Sacramento, I think a lot of people counted us out,” White said. “I think it helped us as a team to come together… and especially when adversity hits, we come together and fight together.”
Heading into a win-or-go-home scenario against the Heat, White believes the timing is right.
“We’re playing really good basketball at the right time,” he said.
