Bulls veteran Tomas Satoransky has no problem looking in the mirror

It would have felt different for Tomas Satoransky if the Bulls simply would have handed the starting point-guard spot to Coby White because of his age or draft status.

That wasn’t the case late last season.

Satoransky knew he was outplayed and outperformed by the then-rookie from North Carolina. It didn’t make him sleep better, but the move was at least justified.

“For sure, I think he deserves that,’’ Satoransky told reporters in a Zoom call when asked about White taking his starting job. “I really like the progress that he did last season, especially how he ended up the year. After the All-Star break he had an unbelievable run.’’

And as far as Satoransky was concerned, that run hasn’t slowed down.

The veteran guard has watched White take full advantage of a very strange nine-month layoff and was impressed with the improvements made by a young guy who could easily have sat back, kicked his feet up and taken his starting role for granted heading into Year 2.

“Even after I saw him after nine months, he had huge progress, and you could tell he was working out a lot,’’ Satoransky said. “I can see the difference also from a mental standpoint, just from conversations with each other that he really matured over that year. And I think he deservedly should be in this role. I like what he said the other day that it’s all about us competing and helping each other in practices. Our relationship is really good. It’s always been that way. And I’m happy for him and ready just to help him with anything he needs.’’

His attitude is laudable, but it also is necessary.

For White to work as the starting point guard, it very well could take a village. He admittedly is still figuring out pick-and-roll concepts, he’s familiar with the league but still learning it and his decision-making in Billy Donovan’s cut-and-move offense will be tested.

Donovan has yet to officially name White the starter, but he gave every indication that it’s coming soon. So where does that leave Satoransky, who watched as White was finally given the starting job in what turned out to be the last game the Bulls played?

Satoransky is looking to rebuild his game and his image.

Through the first 35 games last season, Satoransky got by. He didn’t pop, but he wasn’t the reason the Bulls were losing.

By January, however, he was feeling exhausted, and the shot from outside soon followed.

Satoransky watched his three-point percentage go from 36.4% in October to 46% in November before slumping to 32.6%, 22.4%, 28.1% and 18.2% in the next four months.

That was unexpected from a guy who shot 46.5% and 39.5% in his two seasons with the Wizards before joining the Bulls.

So what happened?

A perfect storm of bad, but it started with his body being worn down by international play during the 2019 offseason. Satoransky used the last nine months to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

“I keep talking about getting rest and getting my body ready, but I think the other part which goes together is my shooting,’’ Satoransky said.

And his shooting will be needed.

Satoransky still will be a key bench presence. And with two years left on his deal, it’s important that last season’s issues and talk about the starting spot be put in perspective.

“My job is to really worry about how I help the team and how I help the teammates I play with,’’ Satoransky said. “I always try to focus on the group I have here, not the outside voices.

“I’m liking so far the way we put work in, and I think that’s what we should worry about.’’