Coby White got the start at point guard in the Bulls‘ preseason opener, but he has a long way to go to earn that job on a regular basis, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. White had an uneven game, finishing with 15 points and six assists in 23 minutes, but he missed his first three shots as Chicago fell into an early 17-point hole.
White’s main competition for the spot will be Tomas Satoransky, who started 64 games last season. New head coach Billy Donovan said he will make the decision based not only on White’s individual performance, but how he affects his teammates.
“As a point guard, it’s not always going to be about how well (White is) playing but how well the group is playing,” Donovan said. “And I think that’s his maturation — that’s the process he has to go through in terms of understanding that he has to be a connector. And it’s not only him — it’s the group that’s out there together. How can they make each other better? How can they function with one another? How can they play off each other? How can they make the game easier for each other? That’s going to be the biggest thing.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- Veteran forward Thaddeus Young was scratched from Friday’s game because of a lower leg infection and won’t play Sunday night either, according to Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. Young is listed as day to day, but has no set timetable to return. “He’s doing much better, which is good. Things haven’t gotten worse,” Donovan said. “But I think the doctors want to keep a close eye on him with that infection and just make sure he’s healing properly.”
- Garrett Temple is still in the league’s COVID-19 protocol and it’s uncertain when he might be able to return, Schaefer adds in the same story. Temple tested positive on November 28.
- The Bulls like what they saw from lottery pick Patrick Williams in his first NBA game, according to Sam Smith of NBA.com. Williams came off the bench with 12 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes. “I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player,” Donovan said. “He has a really good feel for the game. He very rarely forces shots, he makes good decisions, he’s a good passer. He is really good when he gets into that elbow, paint area where he can shoot those one-handed lean-in shots. I’m sure he was a little anxious and nervous, but he’s got a good pace and good way he plays and he can get into the mid range. I thought he played very well considering the fact that there was no real Summer League or build up to training camp, and he had to come here after the draft and get started.”
This roster is completely flawed in the first year. There is no true PG of the future on this team. Coby White is another Ben Gordon which isn’t bad, but he won’t run an offense. We still don’t have a scorer off the bench either if White starts. Also, lack of a post up/mid range game guy hurts when Lavine and others will be cold during games. If Donovan gets this sorry ass roster to 40 wins, I’ll be shocked.
Lower leg infection? Sketchy much? Yikes…not a good look
Send a note to the Bulls. They might be surprised someone wants a clearer picture. The Bulls outlook is not good, maybe last.
Probably staph.
That’s nasty
The way Okoro picked up steam in his first game, he might have been a better pick than Williams.
Okoro looks NBA- ready. His style & movement reminds me of OG Anunoby, better if that’s his norm… eyes remind me of Deandre Hunter, but less melancholy.
Because ALL players’ careers should be judged by their first preseason games
Thaddis Young isn’t a guy who should be in a 10 men rotation Valentine can shoot better and all around better player. If no trade cut him and the center from Australia with the highest salary on the team in the worst player all the team how the hell did he get that salary