Coby White Reaches 1,000 Career Threes as Bulls Fall to Hornets

The Chicago Bulls suffered a 123–116 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, dropping to 9–9 on the season, but the night still carried meaning for one of their rising stars. Guard Coby White, returning to play in his home state, reached a significant shooting milestone that underscored his continued growth as an offensive force.

White knocked down his 1,000th career three-pointer during the game, a moment made more meaningful by the North Carolina homecoming. He finished with 25 points and four assists, continuing a strong early-season run after a delayed start due to injury.

Despite missing time at the beginning of the season with a calf strain — and alternating between appearances, absences, and minute limits — White has been one of Chicago’s steadiest contributors. His scoring and playmaking have remained central to the Bulls’ offense as the team navigates an uneven start.

For White, the milestone adds to an already impressive shooting résumé, further solidifying his role as a foundational piece for the Bulls as they prepare for a demanding stretch of road games.

1. A Milestone Night in Charlotte

White’s accomplishment came in a building filled with familiar faces, as the Greensboro native delivered another sharp performance from beyond the arc. His 1,000th made three placed him in distinguished company among young guards and highlighted the consistency of his long-range shooting throughout his first five NBA seasons. This season, White has averaged 24.2 points and 6.2 assists in limited action, reflecting both his expanded role and his ability to maintain efficiency while returning from injury. Though he has played only five games, he has reached this stretch with noticeable confidence, attacking in transition and carrying the backcourt scoring load. His three-point shooting has remained a defining element of his game. White owns a career 36.9% mark from deep and is coming off a 2023–24 season in which he hit a Bulls franchise-record 209 three-pointers. That performance helped raise expectations for what he could produce in a full, healthy season. Even dating back to his rookie campaign, White demonstrated his shooting flair, notably when he hit seven threes in a single quarter in 2019–20 — an early indication of the scoring surges he is capable of generating.

2. Chicago Enters a Challenging Road Stretch

While White celebrated a personal achievement, the Bulls continue to search for consistency. Friday’s loss evened their record at 9–9 and left head coach Billy Donovan looking for ways to stabilize the rotation as injuries and shifting minutes have complicated early-season planning. Chicago now turns to a critical upcoming slate that begins Saturday in Indianapolis, where they will meet a Pacers team known for its pace and offensive firepower. White’s production will likely be essential as the Bulls look to keep stride in what could be a high-scoring matchup. From there, the Bulls will travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Dec. 1, followed by a return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 3. Each contest presents its own challenge, and Chicago’s ability to remain competitive may hinge on White’s continued health and availability. With the Eastern Conference tightly packed, this road segment carries added weight for a Bulls team trying to avoid slipping below .500 while building cohesion with its primary playmakers.

3. A North Carolina Star Who Kept Rising

White’s journey from local high school standout to NBA lottery pick continues to resonate, particularly during moments like Friday’s milestone. Emerging from Greensboro as one of the state’s brightest prospects, he earned North Carolina Mr. Basketball honors in 2018 and competed as a McDonald’s All-American before committing to UNC. His lone college season proved transformative. White averaged 16.1 points per game for the Tar Heels and broke Michael Jordan’s long-standing freshman scoring record — a benchmark that elevated his national profile and showcased his ability to impact games at a high level. Along the way, he earned ACC All-Freshman honors and a spot on the All-ACC Second Team, positioning him as one of the top guards in the 2019 draft class. His blend of pace, shooting, and creativity made him an attractive option for teams seeking a modern scoring guard. The Bulls selected White with the No. 7 pick, and his development since then — capped by Friday’s 1,000th career three — reflects a player steadily building toward a long-term role as one of Chicago’s core talents.