(670 The Score) The Bulls backcourt tandem of Coby White and Josh Giddey has really ramped up its production since the All-Star break.
White has averaged 25.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field in his past 21 games. For his part, Giddey has averaged 21.0 points, 9.9 rebounds and 9.1 rebounds in his past 16 games, over which he has shot 50.2% overall and 47.1% on 3-pointers. The numbers for both players represent significant boosts from their statistics earlier in the season.
In an appearance on Score Middays on Thursday, White explained how his chemistry with Giddey has grown since the Bulls acquired Giddey from the Thunder in a trade last June.
“He was the new, new to the team,” White said. “I think for kind of the first part of the season, he was trying to figure out his way. He was very quiet. You could tell that he was timid. He didn’t want to step on a lot of toes coming from Oklahoma City and stuff like that. But like I always tell people, the more me and him connected off the court, it kind of helped on the court. I met his mom, met his family, he’s met my brother. So like the more that we connected off the court, the better it’s been on the court. His play ... is phenomenal.”
White believes the 22-year-old Giddey has plenty of room to grow as well.
“At some point in his career, he could definitely lead the league in assists with his IQ, his ability to pass the ball,” White said. “I always tell him he could get a triple-double every night. He just does a lot of different stuff that impacts the game in terms of not only scoring but like assists, rebounding, altering shots. With him being a legit 6-8, he can guard multiple positions on the court. He helps our team out a lot in many different ways. He’s playing with tremendous confidence right now.
“It’s been awesome to see his growth over this year. You’ve got to love those type of stories – a lot of people count you out and then you prove them wrong. So for me, that’s been the best part.”