Coby White continued to rewrite history on Tuesday.
Not just within his own organization’s record books, but the Bulls rookie guard was now putting his stamp in NBA folklore.
Dumping in 35 points in the loss to the Thunder, after back-to-back 33-point games just 10 days after turning 20 years old, carries a little bit of weight.
How much?
Three straight 30-plus games off the bench for White made him the first reserve player in Bulls history to accomplish that feat, and the first player to accomplish that league-wide since J.R. Smith back in 2013.
He joined Atlanta’s Trae Young as the only rookies since 2000-01 to put up 30-plus in three-straight games, and his 35 against Oklahoma City was the most points by a Bulls rookie since Ben Gordon threw in 35 against Charlotte back in 2005.
All exciting stuff surrounding the No. 7 overall pick from the June draft.
Just not exciting enough to change Jim Boylen’s stance on White jumping into a starting role.
“I keep getting this question and I’m just going to answer it one more time: Coby is in a good place,’’ the coach insisted after the loss, bordering on being agitated by the question. “We’re going to keep him in a good place. I understand what you’re trying to ask. But let’s let Coby keep playing and keep developing and keep him in a good spot. That’s my goal right now.’’
Not the most popular opinion coming from Boylen, but actually the correct one. The problem is anything Boylen says these days — right or wrong — is scrutinized by an angry fan base.
Here’s the reality check, however.
People seem to be forgetting that White was basically a no-show through many of the games in both December and January. In 17 games played last month, White scored in single digits in eight of them, and then in December he averaged just 9.4 points per game, shooting 37.7 percent from the field.
Not exactly historic in nature.
While his last three games have been eye-opening, let’s remember the opposing team that gave it up. The Sun are ranked 20th in points allowed, Washington is dead last in points allowed and defensive efficiency, while only the Thunder are a top 10 defensive group – ranked 10th in both points allowed and efficiency.
Then there’s the other factor that can’t be overlooked.
To call the Bulls short-handed is an insult to short-handed. They’ve been dressing nine, and are using G-Leaguers to fill out the second unit.
The bench needs a scorer and White is it.
This allows Boylen the ability to stagger minutes between White and Zach LaVine through the first three quarters, and then ride them out in the final push.
Boylen is still getting White starter minutes, playing him 34, 34 and 33 minutes respectively the last three games, and more importantly, White is on the floor to finish games. The first-year player from North Carolina has openly said he doesn’t want to start, as long as he finishes. He’s finishing.
Finally, there’s the defense.
White has improved in that department, but isn’t there yet. While LaVine has made an effort to improve on that side of the ball, he’s not scaring many guards anytime soon. To start both White and LaVine at the beginning of games just invites the opposing backcourt to go ahead and start a lay-up line.
In a season in which it’s easy to pile on Boylen just with the win-loss record alone, the handling of White shouldn’t be criticized.
