"I'm just reading the defense" - Coby White on how he has become a more lethal weapon on offense

Coby has become a legitimate offensive force.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Coby White’s breakout season has been a sight for Chicago Bulls and NBA fans. Once an inconsistent, one-dimensional guard coming out of the University of North Carolina, the 6-foot-5 guard has come of age in his fifth season, becoming a key contributor on both ends of the court.

One of the most significant factors in White’s improved play has been his development as a scorer. In his rookie season, he primarily relied on his speed and athleticism to attack the basket, often struggling with efficiency. Since then, he has added more weapons to his offensive arsenal, making him a more lethal threat for opposing defenses.

Shiftiness

White entered the league as the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, believing he had to get a lot of buckets to make an impact. Although he tried his best to meet those expectations, he quickly realized that the NBA game was much different from college. He struggled with consistency—shooting 39 percent in his rookie season—and often found himself relegated to a one-dimensional role off the bench.

However, White didn't let these struggles define him. Instead, he used them as motivation to improve his game and become a more well-rounded player. Working closely with coaches and veterans, White focused on developing a more nuanced offensive game by adding weapons like shiftiness.

Whereas he used to try to blaze past defenders with his speed and athleticism, he learned to use subtle fakes and hesitations to create space for himself.

"I'm just reading the defense," White said.

"I know that the scouting report is probably don't let me shoot. So I just try to use that to my advantage."

Coby cooked and found P-Will in the corner! 👨‍🍳@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/lUOPNleTIl

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2024

Better finisher

Finishing at the rim in the NBA takes plenty of grit and strength—something White has built through endless hours spent in the weight room. According to DeMar DeRozan, who has become a mentor to White, the young guard has been putting in a lot of work over the last two offseasons, and he’s now reaping the results.

"He’s always after games going into the weight room, lifting. He’s in the gym early, first," DeRozan said.

"The last two summers, me working out with him and seeing how hard he works and how much he wants it and how much he pays attention to the game, you can see how much he puts into the game."

High off the glass!@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/01q1owf5G1

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 23, 2024

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