Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Coby White The Unsung Hero in Chicago Bulls’ Success
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) arrives at United Center before the game against the Houston Rockets . Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images|Matt Marton/Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Have you ever wondered what it takes for a player to rise above the noise and make a significant impact on their team? In a recent episode of Locked on Bulls, we explored this very topic, focusing on the impressive start to the season by Coby White. Despite being overshadowed by the stellar performances of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, Coby White has quietly emerged as a key player for the Chicago Bulls.
Coby White’s Impressive Stats
Coby White’s season has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s averaging 20 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 45% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. These numbers represent career highs for White, who has also increased his three-point attempts to nine per game. His performance in November has been particularly noteworthy, with averages of 20.3 points, 46% shooting from the field, and 43% from three-point range. This consistency is a testament to his growth as a player.
Leadership on and off the Court
Beyond the stats, Coby White is stepping up as a leader for the Bulls. After a tough loss to Houston, he was the vocal presence the team needed, emphasizing that both the fans and the organization deserved better. This leadership quality is crucial for a team searching for its next leader, and White is proving to be that figure. His impact is not just in numbers but in the energy and direction he brings to the team.
The Defensive Challenge
While Coby White’s offensive game is flourishing, his defensive performance is a mixed bag. Opponents are scoring 5.9 points more per 100 possessions when he’s on the court, the highest in his career. However, this is more reflective of the team’s overall defensive struggles rather than White’s individual performance. Despite this, his efficiency and intangibles on the court are improving, making him a valuable asset to the team.
The Future of the Bulls
Coby White’s development is a bright spot for the Bulls as they look to the future. At just 24 years old, he is refining his game and becoming a more efficient player. His ability to penetrate the defense and draw fouls is an area for potential growth. Increasing his free throw attempts could make him an even more formidable player. As the Bulls navigate their season, White’s continued improvement will be essential.
Call to Action
If you’re a Bulls fan or just a basketball enthusiast, keep an eye on Coby. His journey this season is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Consider how you can apply these lessons of growth and leadership in your own life. For a deeper dive into Kobe White’s season and the Chicago Bulls, listen to the full episode of Locked on Bulls.
In conclusion, Coby White’s rise is a story of resilience and potential. As he continues to evolve, he not only enhances his game but also elevates the Chicago Bulls. Don’t miss out on witnessing this exciting journey. Tune in to Locked on Bulls for more insights and discussions.
The streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Chicago Bulls’ big man Nikola Vucevic is performing at an All-Star level again, showcasing his skills and pivotal role in the team’s success this season. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
Chicago Bulls Cut Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr | Is THT A Lock To Make Roster? Haize welcomes Bobby & C-Dub to the show to discuss the Bulls moving closer to finalizing their roster by cutting Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr. The guys also break down what they want to see in the Bulls’ final preseason game & more.
Lonzo Ball Looks Great In Return To To The Court | Bulls Offense Has Best Game Yet Haize reacts to Lonzo Ball’s performance in his first game back. He also talks about Coby White’s big night and the team’s offense.
Chicago Bulls Reportedly Eyeing Contract Extension WIth Josh Giddey Haize reacts to reports the Bulls could be looking to extend Josh Giddey’s contract before the start of the season. He also asks of the Chicago Bulls should be playing their starters in tonight’s preseason game and gets excited over Lonzo Ball’s return to the court.
