Bulls’ Most Unconventional Duo Is Exceeding Expectations
The Chicago Bulls have found unexpected success with an unconventional duo that is reshaping their on-court dynamics. Point guards Tre Jones and Coby White have emerged as a highly effective pairing that defies traditional basketball tactics.
Last season, the Bulls experimented with Josh Giddey and Tre Jones sharing the floor, achieving an impressive 122.1 offensive rating. This tandem consistently attacked the rim, stretching defenses in ways that surprised many analysts. Despite the promising start, their effectiveness declined by late December, with the offensive rating dropping to 110.8 and a slightly positive net rating of plus-2.4.
Concurrently, the pace of play shifted significantly. Giddey and Jones operated at a methodical 101.61 pace last year. This season, their lineup’s pace increased to 110.25 per 100 possessions, ranking second among Bulls lineups playing over 100 minutes together. The raised tempo showed the team’s adaptive approach but with mixed results.
Amid these changes, a new duo built around Tre Jones has taken center stage. Teaming up with Coby White, Jones has found a partner with whom he boasts the best net rating on the team at a remarkable plus-16.7. Among 44 Bulls lineups logging at least 100 minutes, this pairing ranks first in net rating.
Moreover, Jones and White are second in offensive rating and fifth in defensive rating within the team’s qualifying lineups. Their balanced production has contributed to Chicago’s effectiveness on both ends of the floor. This success stems from attributes quite different from the prior two-point-guard lineup.
When sharing the court, Jones and White push a rapid pace, contrasting far from the slower, deliberate style of last year’s Giddey-Jones combination. However, despite the uptick in speed, their assist percentage ranks 41st out of 44 Bulls pairings, signaling lower overall playmaking volume.
Interestingly, this duo leads all Bulls lineups in effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage. Both players excel at attacking the basket and making decisive plays that generate high-quality scoring chances. Their balanced shot selection doesn’t heavily favor twos, threes, or midrange shots, maintaining offensive versatility.
A distinctive aspect of their scoring profile includes a higher rate of points derived from free throws (19.1%) and scoring off turnovers (18.0%). These markers emphasize their aggressive, downhill style that applies constant pressure on opponents’ defenses and creates frequent opportunities at the foul line.
Tre Jones and Coby White’s surprising chemistry reflects a departure from conventional roster constructions that typically avoid pairing similar guards. Nevertheless, this combination aligns closely with head coach Billy Donovan’s vision of a dynamic, fast-paced offense. Each player covers gaps in the other’s game, forming a complementary partnership worthy of expanded minutes.
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