The narrative of the 2023-24 Chicago Bulls season was centered around the emergence of Coby White. In his fifth year, White experienced a significant surge in performance, elevating his averages to 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His remarkable improvement caught the attention of many across the league, positioning him as a strong contender for the NBA’s Most Improved Player accolade.
Despite White’s impressive strides, he ultimately finished as the runner-up in the voting. The award went to Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, who secured a victory with a count of 319 to 305 votes. Maxey’s win may have raised eyebrows for some, considering his status as a starter for the past two seasons and his presence in opposing teams’ scouting reports. While Maxey made notable enhancements to his defensive skills and passing game this season, his statistical improvements didn’t match those of White.
Comparing their performances in the 2023-24 season, Maxey played 3.9 more minutes per game and averaged 5.6 more points than the previous season. In contrast, White experienced a substantial increase of 13.1 minutes in playing time and a notable leap of 9.7 points per game. This transformation saw White transition from a sixth man to a pivotal figure as the Bulls’ second offensive option.
White’s rise to prominence was marked by his decision to sign a three-year contract extension with the Bulls in the previous offseason. At that time, there was deliberation over whether to retain White or Ayo Dosunmu, but ultimately, both players were retained by Chicago. While uncertainty loomed due to Dosunmu’s sophomore slump and White’s inconsistency in fully realizing his potential, injuries in the Bulls’ backcourt provided White with opportunities to shine. His confidence grew, securing him a spot in the starting lineup and a significant increase in responsibilities. When Zach LaVine sustained a season-ending injury, White stepped up as the primary scorer in the Bulls’ offense.
Presently, White and Dosunmu are hailed as the new core of the Chicago Bulls. With Zach LaVine potentially on the trading block and veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic aging, the duo represents a promising foundation for the team’s future, especially if the Bulls opt for significant roster changes in the upcoming offseason.
