Chicago Bulls: 3 players whose stock rose with Billy Donovan hire

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2. Guard Coby White

Remember last season when fans were clamoring for Jim Boylen to start Coby White, but it took way longer than expected? Billy Donovan remembers that period of time well, too.

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The date was February 25th earlier this year and White was coming off of two straight 33-point outings. Yet, Boylen still decided to keep him on the bench in a game against Donovan’s Thunder.

White went off for a career-high 35 points while draining six threes. It was his third straight game scoring over 30 points, and he would end the season averaging over 26 points per game in his final nine, with that outing landing in the middle of his run.

It is not difficult to see why White’s outlook immediately changes with Donovan in charge. He’s worked with plenty of talented guards over his tenure in Oklahoma City. Whether it’s top-tier names like Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, or a young, up-and-coming kid like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan knows what he’s doing when it comes to getting the most out of his guards.

It seems like a no-brainer to start White after seeing what he accomplished last year, but the Bulls didn’t have a coach who used his brain last year. Under Donovan, White will see plenty of playing time — whether that’s as a starter or off the bench.

The funny thing is, if Donovan chooses to bring White off the bench, fans would be able to understand and trust his plan. When it was Boylen, fans would riot. But, no matter how Donovan chooses to use White, fans can trust that he knows exactly what he’s doing. The proof is in what he’s been able to accomplish during his time with the Thunder.

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