Coby White is proud of the way his game has become more well-rounded this season

Coby White's game has grown by leaps and bounds this season.

© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

A quick glance at Coby White's numbers this season may not reflect the growth he's experienced over the past year. After all, he's averaging fewer points, fewer rebounds, fewer assists, and has a lower shooting percentage from beyond the arc. However, these numbers fail to reflect the strides he's made as a Chicago Bulls player in other areas.

White has been an integral part of his team's offense and defense, becoming a reliable playmaker when needed and displaying excellent court vision on both ends. His improved ball-handling skills have allowed him to make well-timed passes off drives and become better at creating his own shot. In short, he has become the kind of guard the Bulls envisioned when they picked him 7th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Better basketball player

Playing fewer minutes this season than in his first three years in the Association, the former UNC Tar Heel made the most of his time on the court, becoming a better basketball player overall. Coby demonstrated that he could score the ball from any spot, shooting with a more consistent three-point percentage and finding his sweet spots on pull-up jumpers. On top of that, he also became a better defender this season, using his long arms to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers.

"I think my whole game has grown throughout this entire season," said White. "From defensively, from playmaking, decision making, making shots, making big shots in the fourth."

Of all the things White has worked on the most, it's his defense and being a floor general that now stand out.

"I feel like the thing I'm most proud of is my defense and my voice, my leadership on the court and off the court. My confidence is higher than it's ever been, and my belief in myself is higher than it's ever been just by the way this season went."

Could White be the point guard the Bulls need?

The last time the Bulls handed the starting point guard reins to White, things didn't go smoothly. Although White put up solid numbers, he didn't shoot the ball well and committed nearly three turnovers per game. Most importantly, the Bulls finished with an awful 31-41 record. However, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said White is more suited for the role now than he was before.

"He's a lot more equipped, I'd say, today to be maybe in that (starting point guard) role than he was a few years ago," said Donovan. "I've got a lot of confidence in Coby just the way he's gotten better."