Billy Donovan praises Coby White's development on the defensive end

"You’re seeing him do things defensively that have impacted winning."

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

As incredible a season Chicago Bulls guard Coby White has been having, he knows he still has a long way to go before joining the league’s elite. One aspect he’s keen on improving in the Bulls’ last 27 games is his defense.

Still needs work

White has risen to the occasion this season, averaging 19.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. With All-Star guard Zach LaVine missing a considerable chunk of the season before eventually getting ruled out for the remainder due to foot surgery, White has not disappointed and has been thrust into the spotlight.

However, while White’s offensive prowess is evident, there’s still room for improvement on the defensive end, and he’s not ashamed to admit it.

“It still needs work. For me, to be honest, I felt like I was better [defensively] last year than this year. Obviously, this year, I’m in a way different role than I was last year,” White said.

Fortunately for White, he has some pretty good teammates who can help him learn the different nuances of playing defense at the highest level. There’s Alex Caruso—an All-Defensive First Team member last season—and Torrey Craig, a tough, rugged defender who has made a career out of being a reliable “3-and-D” guy.

“I want to be a two-way player in this league, so for me to continue to climb in the right direction, continuing to learn from guys like [Alex Caruso], [Torrey Craig], the elite defenders in the league. Just as much as I’ve learned from [DeMar DeRozan] and [Nikola Vucevic] offensively, I’ve tried to learn just as much from Caruso and Craig on defense,” White continued.

Has grown physically

According to Bulls coach Billy Donovan, one crucial aspect that White has worked on that has helped him become a solid defender is his physique. Whereas opposing teams used to target him as a weak spot on defense due to his slight build, White has worked to add muscle and strength to his frame. This has boosted his defensive abilities and allowed him to be more physical and withstand contact when driving to the basket.

“I think two years ago, year and a half, he was a guy that was really targeted quite a bit by offenses, putting him in actions, trying to get him switching, trying to get him in space to isolate him. Not even so much in the post, but on the perimeter. I think he worked hard to be a more physical defender. He’s putting his body in plays; he’s much better in pick-and-rolls. The physical component is the biggest growth I’ve seen him make,” Donovan remarked.

White knows he plays an integral role in the Bulls’ present and future. And if he genuinely wants to be known as an elite two-way player, he understands that defense is just as important as offense.

“He understands how important both sides are,” Donovan said.

My brain can't comprehend how well Coby White is playing defense right now.

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) November 24, 2022

“You’re seeing him do things defensively that have impacted winning. He’s making those plays by putting his body in plays. He’s taken pride in that because he knows those things are important, and winning is important. The competing part is important to him.”

Key players for the Chicago Bulls heading to the final stretch of the regular season