Billy Donovan cites Coby White's growth in pick-and-roll situations as a reason for his success

The pick-and-roll is a staple of every NBA team’s offense, and the Chicago Bulls are no exception. Over the last few weeks, Coby White has become a key piece in the Bulls’ pick-and-roll game, and head coach Billy Donovan believes that it is one of the main contributing factors to his success this season.

Takes time to master

The pick-and-roll may look simple, but its nuances can take time to master. Combined with the fact that the point guard position is arguably the most demanding in the league, it’s no wonder why it takes some guards so long to adjust. Donovan believes White has done just that, citing his patience and understanding of the game as a reason for his recent success.

“If you watch any great offensive player, those shoulders are always at the basket, and they play in front, and they’re able to turn it down or come off. And he’s getting better at making those reads,” Donovan said.

White has been the team’s biggest success story this season. Thrust into the starting five this season, the former Tar Heel got off to a sluggish start but has since turned things around. In so doing, he has helped the Bulls win six of their last nine games.

White has shown his entire repertoire this season and has averaged 23.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the last 14 games.

COBY WITH THE HAMMA 🔨 pic.twitter.com/PVnkeIHAcS
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 19, 2023

Becoming shiftier

Donovan shared that early in White’s career, he didn’t do an excellent job reading what the defense gave him. Instead, the North Carolina native tried to use his speed to get by defenders, often resulting in undesirable results. This season, White has relied more on guile than just his burst of speed.

“That’s been the biggest thing we’ve tried to show him on film. Earlier on in his career, there are times he just does not do a great job setting up pick-and-roll. It was all straight speed. There wasn’t a lot of detail. And I think he’s getting better now at coming off with some force, coming off and using the screen and being a threat to not use the screen and reject it. He’s put a lot of work into that on his own,” Donovan explained.

Back-to-back buckets by Coby!@CobyWhite | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/aO2AQr5Xpo
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 19, 2023

“I just try to read what’s in front of me,” White said. “In the second half, they were running a lot harder at me. I got some open ones in the first half. So then I wanted to get downhill and if not score, collapse the defense and look for kick-outs.

Takes time to master

Becoming shiftier

Coby White credits his hometown of Goldsboro for helping him develop his thick skin