Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Jevon Carter put on their helmets. I pictured all three on a Japanese Game show ready to jump into a Lonzo-Ball-sized cut-out on the wall. As the horn sounded, I pictured the three failing and falling into a pit of shaving cream.
The truth of the matter is that no one on the Chicago Bulls roster can fill the void that Ball’s knee decided to create. Heck, there aren’t many players around the NBA who can replicate what he brings to the table. However, the Bulls are tasked with finding a new solution in their backcourt, and the search for an answer will begin in October at training camp.
Carter is the latest addition and is undoubtedly a strong fit next to the “Big 3” in the organization. He will provide above-average perimeter defense, as well as one of the best 3-point strokes on the roster. Since his signing, my guess is that he will start opening night with Zach LaVine in the backcourt. But I’d be lying if I said some recent words from GM Marc Eversley didn’t give me a second thought.
In several recent interviews at Bulls Fest last week, Eversley offered high praise for the recently signed Bulls guard. He not only pointed to White’s strong campaign in 2022-23, but he repeatedly expressed hope in White’s ability to positively affect the team’s development.
“I think by going out and getting Jevon Carter, not as a replacement for Lonzo but as an improvement. Because the guy I’m really excited about is how he finished the season and what he did this season. hot and what I think about him and how good he is to continue for this group is Coby (White),†Eversley told The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry. “Coby’s development on the court is very good. His progress off the court has been equally impressive. He found his voice. He would challenge the men in the room. He will be more decisive and demanding. And we need that from him.”
Getting to know Coby White continues his conversation NBC Sports Chicago, when he admitted that “the growth he has shown in the last three years is second to none on the list.” He said similar words in a third interview with CHGO, saying the organization sees White as an important piece of the puzzle.
“Bring back Coby, who I think is on his way to being a real solid key contributor in the NBA. He had a terrible year last year. He finished the year very well,†Eversley told the CHGO men.
Three separate interviews and three incredibly positive comments about White’s future in Chicago. And, hey, I get it! I was also happy with his performance last season. We’ve touted his improvements as a ball-handler and defender many times here at BN Bulls, so I’m not surprised that the front office is also encouraged by those improvements. Plus, I’m sure signing him to a more reasonable three-year, $36 million deal would have had a little extra motivation. Oh, and how about all that sick Pro-AM footage!?
All things considered, it’s hard for me not to raise my expectations for the baby after hearing what Eversley had to say. They are already well up after the excellent play we saw last year, but Eversley no doubt sound like they expect Coby White to carry the heavy workload. Now, for what it’s worth, I still think the workload is best suited to the second unit. White has more freedom to play HIS game from the bank. But that doesn’t mean I’m against him getting a chance to show what he can do in the starters and on the closing line.
More on the debate here…
Coby White Should Have the Keys to the Chicago Bulls’ Second Unit