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2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Lockdown a Deadeye to build a Culture

By Anthony Prodanovich

Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) shoots as Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks (24) defends during the first half during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) brings the ball up court against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 Orlando Magic Offseason Needs: Perimeter Sharpshooters

Coby White, Chicago Bulls

The 6-foot-5, 23-year-old guard is coming off his best year. White split his minutes between the two guard spots as he still seeks his best role in the NBA.

Falling into a similar situation as Austin Reaves, Coby White is a restricted free agent. But unlike the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls have had an up and down relationship with White. They may be more lenient to not match a contract that Orlando would offer.

He certainly would come much cheaper after such an up-and-down start to his career.

White averaged only 9.7 points per game, a career low. But his efficiency went up, shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and a 55.2 percent effective field goal percentage. There might be a lot of flaws with White, but he can shoot the ball.

In his first three seasons as a point guard, White has progressively been a negative contributor on the court, while this year as the secondary guard White has had a career-high +4.0 per 100 possessions when on the court vs off. Only Franz Wagner, Goga Bitadze and Kevon Harris for Orlando were both a positive when playing on the court vs off the court.

According to data from Cleaning the Glass, White when playing as the 2-guard shoots the three at 39.2 percent this year.

White’s struggles as point guard came from his difficulties setting others up. He was much better at receiving passes than kicking them out.

The main reason for this is because his two best teammates, DeMar DeRozan and Zach Lavine, are isolation ball-handlers who hunt their own shots. With Fultz facilitating and a cast of players around that could better suite his talents.

Could White develop into a solid starting perimeter option around youthful talent and a coaching staff that would empower him to be better? It is possible.

It is not yet clear whether the Bulls would have an interest in retaining White in restricted free agency. He still played in 74 games this year, but played a bench role. And Chicago has other priorities to worry about this offseason after their disappointing season.