Coby White’s recent play is worth a tip of the hat. The 21-year-old has averaged 18 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.7 free-throw attempts per game since rejoining the starting lineup three games ago. He still might miss the occasional open man, and he still might struggle to make some defensive reads, but there is no question this is one of the most comfortable stretches we’ve seen from White this season.
The facilitating, specifically, has finally looked serviceable. No, I don’t expect him to all of a sudden turn into the point guard the Bulls need, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that he’s seeing the game at an improved level. I mean, this is the first time in his career that he has recorded seven or more assists in three straight games. And he also dished these passes on only six combined turnovers (1 vs. Memphis, 4 vs. Cavaliers, 1 vs. Celtics). The fact the Bulls have seen their PACE drop from 8th in the league to 24th after the trade deadline could very well be a reason for that, and the same can be said about the addition of another All-Star talent.
However, if you ask White for the reason he’s limiting his mistakes, he’ll give you a much simpler answer.
“Mo Cheeks,” . “Mo, man, he’s been on me the whole season about it, but especially now. Just taking care of the ball. Being the point guard, that’s my responsibility, so I give credit to Mo Cheeks. He has been on me about it, and he just told me make the simple play and go to A to B, not A to D or A to C. Just make it simple, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
Man, I love everything about this quote.
Since he isn’t front and center on a nightly basis, I’m sure it’s easy to forget the Bulls have a HOFer on their bench (who – come to think of it – must be pretty damn aggravated that his team doesn’t have a true point guard … but I digress). Maurice Cheeks is a four-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive First Team point guard who ranks 14th on the all-time assist leaderboards. There aren’t many other assistant coaches out there who could offer a young, impressionable guard so much knowledge. And, fortunately, it sure does sound like White is trying to take advantage of that.
“I’ve been learning a lot since he’s been here, and he’s been willing to teach me a lot. I’m kind of hard-headed and stubborn at times, but he’s patient with me. At the end of the day, he’s a hall of fame point guard, and I want to learn as much as I can from him, so I make sure before every game or at practice I always take time to have a conversation with him.”
Man, I ALSO love everything about this quote.
Cheeks thrived in many of the areas White tends to struggle, so to know he is behind the scenes to help round out White’s game is a reassuring thought. Who knows exactly how far his continued presence will take the young guard, but if he is responsible for White’s improved decision-making, that could be a good sign.
Check out White’s full postgame press conference below:
LIVE: Coby White after tonight’s win vs. Celtics
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)
