DeMar DeRozan pleased to see the evolution of Coby White's game from backup guard to fellow closer

DeRozan is thrilled to see White's evolution from a backup guard to a fellow closer.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

It takes a special player to be handed the ball in a game’s crucial moments and be asked to come up with crucial points. For most of his tenure in Chicago, that job has always belonged to veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan, and rightfully so. However, this season, Deebo has seemingly found a new running mate he can trust in the clutch: Coby White.

As a young guard adjusting to the NBA, White was initially brought off the bench to learn from DeRozan and provide a scoring punch for the second unit. However, injuries and lineup changes have thrust him into a starting role, and he has not disappointed. In fact, he has flourished in this new position as a closer alongside DeRozan.

White’s continued development

Deebo has had a front-row seat to Coby's growth this season. As a 15-year veteran, DeRozan has taken the young player under his wing and helped him improve his game in various areas. White’s scoring ability was never in question, but it is his decision-making and playmaking that have shown significant improvement.

One crucial aspect of being a closer is making the right decisions with the ball in your hands during crunch time. In this regard, White has shown tremendous growth throughout the season.

“It’s amazing,” DeRozan said, referring to White’s remarkable performance against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. With under a minute to go, White hit the go-ahead layup.

“We’ve all seen him have that in him, but now for him to know that he doesn’t have to worry about mistakes, missed shots, he can stay with it because at any given moment, he can get it going and win us a game.”

COBY GIVES US THE LEAD WITH THE TOUGH TAKE.@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/qBTxsSTLHf

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 5, 2024

Constant encouragement

White has had his fair share of crunchtime successes and failures this season. And through it all, the one constant has been Deebo's unwavering support and encouragement. Whether it's a tough game-winning shot or a costly turnover, DeRozan is always there to lift White up and remind him of his potential.

“It feels good when those moments present itself, when he can carry us to victory, get us back in the game, especially when you play off a guy like that. He got a little tired [in the fourth], and I told him before we made the comeback that I’m right there with him,” Deebo commented.

DeMar DeRozan saying Coby White is a bad man combined with Coby White telling DeMar DeRozan you the best over and over. https://t.co/Tffp4JfazC pic.twitter.com/QBhNsPhFRe

— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) February 7, 2024

Billy Donovan impressed by the fight Coby White showed versus the Sacramento Kings