Coby White strong in debut as Bulls fall in Charlotte

White's distribution skills were on display on Wednesday night.

Sam Sharpe | USA TODAY Sports

Coby White did what he does best in his pro debut.

Coming off the bench midway through the first quarter, White knocked down a 3-pointer for his first bucket and ended up with 17 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds in a losing effort as Charlotte topped Chicago 126-125 on Wednesday night at the Spectrum Center.

Coby White opens up his ⁦@chicagobulls⁩ scoring account from 3-point land! #NBARooks #BullsNation

💻📱: https://t.co/3dQuOL82y7 pic.twitter.com/rFsQmA0qTX

— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2019

White's scoring came as no surprise after the former Tar Heel averaged 19.2 points in the preseason, but his seven assists — with just one turnover — topped his total of five posted in the five exhibition games. 

Overall, White hit 6 of 13 field goal attempts, including 1 of 4 from 3-point range. He was efficient in attacking, getting to the free throw line five times with four makes in 27 minutes.

Do not sleep on @CobyWhite.@nbcschicago | #RunWithUs pic.twitter.com/3wj3PtBh2b

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 24, 2019

His seven assists tied with Zach LaVine to lead the Bulls. Lauri Markkanen led Chicago with 35 points, with White and Thaddeus Young both behind him at 17 points.

Next up for the Bulls, they'll travel to Memphis where White will have an opportunity to match up with Ja Morant, the No. 2 pick in June's draft.