Coby White is focused on helping the team, not contract extension: "I put in a lot of work this summer, so let my work show, and take it from there"

Coby White is all about helping the Bulls win more games

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Despite not getting a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls during Monday's deadline for rookie-scale players, guard Coby White says he remains focused on helping the team win.

Unbothered

White was the least bit surprised about the contract extension or lack thereof. He told reporters that he's committed to helping the Bulls win ballgames regardless of his contract situation.

"I wasn't really focused on that. Just play this year out. I put in a lot of work this summer, so let my work show, and take it from there," said the 22-year-old White, who is playing in his fourth season in the Association.

White added that he would not let this distract him or the team from their goal of making some noise in the Eastern Conference.

"Like I've been saying, I'm just here to help my team win. Whatever I can do to help my teammates become better versions of themselves and a better version of the team, I'm willing to do that," added White, who is looking to have a bounce-back season after averaging 12.7 points last time out — a far cry from the 15.1 he averaged during 2020-2021 season.

Enhanced role

Two games into the season, White is averaging 10 points, leading the Bulls' second unit. With Lonzo Ball out indefinitely due to knee surgery, the 6-foot-5 guard might see an uptick in minutes. Head coach Billy Donovan has the luxury of deploying White as an explosive scorer who can provide instant offense when he checks into the ballgame.

"I just take everything as it comes and I just go with the flow," he said. "I put in a lot of work this summer and I'm gonna trust my work."

Chicago will continue to rely on Coby's scoring and playmaking ability as they look to make some noise in the East this season. And with White focused on helping the team, instead of his contract situation, things are looking up for this Bulls squad.