As most rookies adjust to playing in the NBA, the last few months of the season can be the time when they begin to slow down and really face the rigors of playing in the league.
In college basketball, even the most successful teams play fewer than 40 games. An 82-game schedule in the NBA can be even challenging for the most experienced player to navigate through.
Chicago Bulls rookie Coby White is simply just looking to play consistently to finish out his rookie campaign after experiencing plenty of ups and downs this season. In 55 games, White is averaging 11.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists while he is shooting 33.8% from 3-point range. His 98 made 3-pointers are third among all rookies.
The seventh overall pick kicked the season off by tallying 42 points in his first two games. He followed that up by totaling just 31 points over his next five outings for the Bulls. His impressive play has been sporadic at times but he has shown some flashes of developing into a player that can contribute each night.
As the Bulls begin their post-All-Star Game stretch, the team will have 27 games left to play. Surprisingly, they are just five games back of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, something White is striving for, according to Tony Gill of NBC Sports Chicago.
For me, just to finish the season strong and hopefully, help my team and put us in a position to be in the playoffs. … I think just playing consistently will be big for me. Just being on the floor as a rookie and what not; being able to go out there and contribute to the team. What needs work? I feel like stringing together good games and efficiency from the field needs a little bit of work.
#Bulls guard Coby White on what he's looking to accomplish in the last stretch of the season #BullsNation #ChicagoBulls pic.twitter.com/O0Xjr5YGcl
— Tony Gill (@thetonygill) February 19, 2020
With several teams in the mix for the playoffs in the East, the Bulls will face a tough road ahead if they want to qualify for the postseason. On top of that, the team entered the All-Star break as losers of six straight so they are certainly hoping a few days off can help get things back on track.
The Bulls will begin by hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.
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