Coby White makes it to The Athletic's 'All-Fun Team'

White has been the definition of fun this season.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

While watching the Chicago Bulls front office again do nothing at the trade deadline was hard to watch, it’s fortunate that fans still have Coby White to provide some excitement on the court. The fifth-year guard has been making a name for himself not only with his scoring ability but also his flair and all-around skills.

The Athletic recently released their “All-Fun Team,” a list of players who bring excitement and entertainment to NBA basketball. And guess who made it onto that list? That’s right, Coby White.

Fast-rising star

Despite being picked seventh overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, White became an afterthought in the team’s plans after one inconsistent season after another. He began turning a corner in his fourth season and, soon after, was handed the starting point guard responsibility at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

It’s not like he went supernova after that. In fact, he got off to a sluggish start, averaging only 13.7 points on 42 percent shooting in the first 19 games of the season. However, White has since turned it around and is enjoying the best season of his brief NBA career.

“White has averaged 22.4 points and 6.0 assists since Nov. 30 and is shooting 39.7 percent on 7.5 3s per game. That’s the good stuff. White is doing more with his latest chance. He’s getting to the rim significantly more often (he already has more dunks than he did last season), he’s making more plays, and he’s added some zest to Bulls games that can sometimes dawdle,” Mike Vorkunov wrote.

This sequence of moves from Coby White 😳pic.twitter.com/6u9tZ5mJwV

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 15, 2024

Took advantage of the opportunity

When All-Star guard Zach LaVine went down with foot inflammation at the end of November, things did not look good for the Bulls. LaVine is the team’s most talented player, capable of incredible offensive explosions on any night. 

However, White recognized the opportunity that presented itself and took full advantage of it. The former Tar Heel rattled off 13 straight games with at least three made triples and has become a legitimate candidate for the Most Improved Player.

“White had a nondescript first four-plus years to his career before he turned it on this winter. Zach LaVine’s absence gave White time to cook, and he’s been making delicious meals ever since,” Vorkunov added.

Half: Bulls 62, Celtics 59

Standing O for the Bulls who take the lead on a Coby White three just before the half

Vooch: 20 pts on 9-12 shooting
Ayo: 12 pts

Jaylen: 20 pts pic.twitter.com/c4BJbbJXeN

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) February 23, 2024

Coby White says the heavy minutes he's playing isn't the reason for his recent shooting struggles