Coby White is the primary scorer on the Chicago Bulls. That statement might have sounded optimistic—or even unrealistic—just a few seasons ago, but it has quickly become reality. White’s NBA journey has been anything but linear. Early on, it seemed as though he was trending toward becoming a high-usage scoring guard. Then, his development stalled, his role diminished, and at one point it felt like he was fighting simply to secure a long-term place in the league. Now, once again, White looks like a player capable of anchoring an NBA offense.

That opportunity has arrived in Chicago.

Through just seven games this season, White has not been gradually worked into Billy Donovan’s rotation. Instead, he has been thrust into a leading role from day one. He leads the Bulls in shot attempts at 15.6 per game and in scoring at 22.1 points per night. Those numbers aren’t empty, either—they reflect a clear shift in offensive hierarchy.

Josh Giddey may initiate the offense more frequently and log more touches overall, but when the Bulls need a bucket, the pecking order is becoming obvious. The offense bends toward Coby White, and increasingly, it depends on him.

Coby White is the Bulls’ number one scoring option

After years of serving as a complementary piece—sometimes as a sixth man, sometimes as a spot-up shooter—White has finally been handed the keys as a primary scorer. This isn’t a case of a player waiting too long for an overdue promotion, though. Earlier in his career, White simply wasn’t ready for this responsibility. His shot selection was inconsistent, his playmaking was underdeveloped, and his efficiency suffered under increased defensive pressure.

What makes this moment different is the steady, incremental growth White has shown. He has improved his decision-making, tightened his handle, and become far more comfortable scoring within the flow of the offense rather than forcing shots. Now in year seven, White isn’t just filling a void—he has earned the opportunity.

The real test, of course, is sustaining production as the focal point. NBA history is full of players who saw their numbers spike briefly after a star departed, only to struggle once defenses adjusted. With Zach LaVine no longer on the roster, opposing teams are clearly keying in on White. So far, he’s handled that attention well.

Last season was already a strong indicator. White posted career highs in scoring while also delivering his most efficient shooting campaign to date. That combination—higher volume with better efficiency—is usually a signal that a player’s growth is real. If that trend continues, it bodes well not just for this season, but for the Bulls’ broader outlook heading into 2026.

A nonlinear development curve

White’s career is a perfect case study in how unpredictable NBA development can be. He burst onto the scene with confidence and scoring flair, fell off just as quickly, and then quietly rebuilt his game. At various points, it seemed inevitable that Chicago would trade him, especially as his role fluctuated and his value appeared uncertain.

But the Bulls never pulled the trigger.

Whether that was patience, stubbornness, or simple lack of better options depends on how cynical one is about the franchise’s decision-making. Still, the result matters more than the rationale. The Bulls kept White, and now they’re reaping the benefits of that continuity.

This version of White looks more mature and more resilient. He no longer plays as if every possession is a referendum on his career. Instead, he looks comfortable absorbing pressure, picking his spots, and leading by example.

A necessity, not a luxury

White elevating his production isn’t merely a feel-good storyline—it’s a requirement. The Bulls currently sit 24th in offensive rating and have been dead last in the league over the past 10 games. Their roster is short on players who can consistently create offense off the dribble, especially late in the shot clock.

In theory, White can be that player.

He isn’t going to single-handedly fix Chicago’s offensive issues, and expecting him to do so would be unfair. But if he can reliably score 20-plus points per game, he changes the geometry of the floor. Defenses are forced to react, rotations tighten, and teammates benefit from the attention he draws.

The opportunities will be there. The shots will be there. The responsibility is already his.

Now, the question isn’t whether Coby White gets the chance to be the Bulls’ primary scorer—it’s whether he can fully seize it and solidify himself as the offensive cornerstone of Chicago’s next era.