It would have felt different for Tomas Satoransky if the Bulls would have simply handed the starting point guard spot to Coby White because of his age or draft status.
That wasn’t the case late last season.
Satoransky knew he was outplayed and outperformed by the then-rookie from North Carolina. It didn’t make him sleep better, but it was at least justified.
“For sure, I think he deserves that,’’ Satoransky told reporters in a Zoom call when asked about White taking a starting job that once belonged to him. “I really like the progress that he did last season, especially how he ended up the year. After the All-Star break he had an unbelievable run.’’
And as far as Satoransky was concerned, that “run’’ hasn’t slowed down.
The veteran guard has watched White take full advantage of a very strange nine-month layoff, and was impressed with the improvements made by a young guy who could have easily sat back, kicked his feet up, and taken for granted that he was a starter heading into Year 2.
“Even after I saw him after nine months, he had huge progress and you could tell he was working out a lot,’’ Satoransky said of White. “I can see the difference also from mental standpoint, just from conversation with each other that he really matured over that year. And I think he deservedly should be in this role. I like what he said the other day that it’s all about us competing and helping each other in practices. Our relationship is really good. It’s always been that way. And I’m happy for him and ready just to help him with anything he needs.’’
An attitude that’s applauded, but also necessary.
For White to work as the starting point guard it could very well take a village. He’s admittedly still figuring out pick-and-roll concepts, he is familiar with the league, but still learning it, and his decision-making in Billy Donovan’s cut-and-move offense will be tested.
Donovan is yet to officially name White a starter, but gave every indication that it’s coming soon. So where does that leave Satoransky, who watched White finally given a starting job in what turned out to be the last game the Bulls played last season?
Satoransky is looking to rebuild the perception of him.
Through the first 35 games last season, Satoransky got by. He didn’t pop, but he wasn’t the reason the Bulls were losing.
By January, however, the body was feeling exhausted and the shot from outside soon followed.
Satoransky watched his three-point percentage go from 36.4% the first month, to 46% in November. Starting in January, however, the percentage was 22.4%, 28.1% in February, and then 18.2% in five games in March.
Unexpected from a guy that shot 46.5% and 39.5%, respectively, in his two seasons with the Wizards before coming over to the Bulls.
So what happened?
A perfect storm of bad, but it started with his body be worn down by international play during the 2019 offseason. That’s what the last nine months off were for Satoransky – making sure that doesn’t happen again.
“I keep talking about getting rest and getting my body ready, but I think the other part which goes together is my shooting,’’ Satoransky said.
Shooting that will be needed.
Satoransky will still be a key bench presence. And with two years left on his deal it’s important last season’s issues and talk about the starting point guard spot is put in perspective.
“My job is to really worry about how I help the team and how I help the teammates I play with,’’ Satoransky said. “I always try to focus on the group I have here, not the outside voices.
“I’m liking so far the way we put work in, and I think that’s what we should worry about.’’
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