The last time public eyes were on Coby White in a competitive environment, well, let’s say the reviews were very mixed.
Yes, the Bulls rookie lived up to the raw speed that earned him the No. 7 overall pick in the June draft, zipping up and down the floor throughout Summer League, but also finished the Las Vegas showcase shooting just 3-for-30 from three-point range, as well as struggling with consistency in the decision-making department.
White insisted to the media back then that it would get better.
By all accounts it has throughout the voluntary workouts in September, and now with a first week of an NBA training camp under his belt.
But – and there’s frequently a but when the Bulls are hyping up their own players – what matters is how he looks against NBA players not wearing the same name on the front of the jersey.
That process starts on Monday, with the Bulls hosting Milwaukee in the preseason opener.
Until then it’s taking the word of his organization on where he is as a player.
“He’s been really good,’’ coach Jim Boylen said of White’s first week. “What I’ve been impressed with is his maturity level on the floor and how quickly he can kind of pick up things and grow.
“He’s not scared. He’s not scared, which I love. He’s more physical than I thought this early. He’s a big body. He can play on the ball and off the ball, which we thought. He shot the ball very well in camp. He puts a shoulder on you, you feel it. His physicality is what we hoped it would be, I didn’t know if it would come this fast. We’re thankful for him.’’
Heck, even center Wendell Carter Jr. found praise for White. Not easy for a Duke player to do, especially when it comes to a guy that used to wear the North Carolina powder blue.
“I love him, keeps us running,’’ Carter said. “He’s quick, gets it out fast, very unselfish and is a very good shooter. He makes the right plays, plays very good defense. Other than him going to UNC, I like him a lot.’’
All well and good, but with Kris Dunn and Tomas Satoransky battling it out for the starting point guard spot and Zach LaVine cemented in as the two guard, when will White get his chance to flash up and down the floor?
Over the five-game preseason schedule, the opportunity will be plenty.
Not only will White see time at point guard, but also as the two guard because of his ability to shoot and attack the rim.
Boylen already said that they would look at different lineups – both starting and off the bench – so don’t be surprised if he gets a starting nod to work with the first unit in a game.
When the games start to matter on Oct. 23, however, that’s when finding minutes for White will become interesting.
“We’ve added ballers to this team,’’ Boylen said, when talking about playing time and positions. “Coby White, whether he’s a one, he’s a two, he’s a baller. … That’s what this roster is. We’ve got to do a good job using those guys and give them space and freedom to use what they have.’’
Sounds good to White. The rook has no problem waiting for his turn. And when it comes? Time to let it rip.
“The main thing that fits me is [Boylen] wants to run,’’ White said. “The faster I get down the court, the faster you get into your offensive possession. Whether I got the ball in my hands or not, if you run and get in transition, it creates more scoring opportunities for you.
“I love to run.’’
