Coby White ready to emerge from the shadows | NBA

“He’s a player who often had the ball in his hand. Then he had to recover from his shoulder injury, then the team changed completely, then he was subjected to the Covid protocol… He is just trying to find his way, playing a little less, and a little more without ball. It is also an opportunity to learn, and to take advantage of the situations that arise ”.

Bulls boss Billy Donovan summed up perfectly the difficult situation Coby White has found himself in since the start of the season. Back in a messed up team, the leader struggled to blend into a new hierarchy, his return from injury and his passage through the Covid box not having helped.

Race results: Coby White posted his worst career stats in 12 short games played in 2021/22, and suffered from not seeing the ball as much as before.

” Sure. I’ve had the ball in my hands since I was 12 ”, he said, before reconsidering this new opportunity. “For me, it’s just about getting off the bench and trying to find a way to make an impact on the game, whether it’s defending, playing hard, being vocal, on the pitch or from the pitch. bench. Do anything that can help my team. Of course, I want to have the ball in my hands, because, like I said, I’ve been doing it since I was 12. This season is sort of the first time that I haven’t had the ball. So we have to adapt, especially with everything that has happened this year. But I still like challenges. It makes you a better person and a better player. I know it will help me in the long run ”.

Trying to stay the same player

To try to gain playing time while he currently tops out at under 20 minutes per game on average, the leader / back wants to be intractable in defense.

“I feel like I’ve improved my defense compared to my first two years. I know in this team, in order for me to play, I’m going to have to improve my defense. So this is an area that is more important to me now. I just want to come in and fight for my teammates ”, he added. “Every year I want to improve in one area and I think this year my defense has really improved.

After his 24 points against the Rockets, Derrick White only signed 8 points at 3/10 on shots last night against the Pacers. In addition to consistency, his coach tells him that the key to his success will be linked to his ability to play his game.

“Offensively, everything will fall into place. I just need to find some rhythm, to play matches. The more I play, the easier it will be ”, he continued. “The coach always said he just wanted to stay who I am. He always pushes me, even against Houston, when I missed a few drives towards the end. He pushed me to stay aggressive, to make the right choices until the end. He never tried to change me, to say, ‘You’re going to take catch-and-shoots out of the screen’ or anything like that. He always told me to play my game, go into painting, take my shots… He never tried to limit me and I am grateful to him for that ”.