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DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Alex Caruso rise in the latest Top-100 Player Rankings of The Ringer
Despite all the injuries the Chicago Bulls have sustained this season, the team has fought hard to keep its hold of ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and potentially compete in the Play-in Tournament.
A big reason the Bulls have kept their heads above water is the play of DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, and Alex Caruso. Because of this, all three have risen in The Ringer's latest player rankings.
DeMar DeRozan at no. 55
In an era defined by the three-ball, the 15-year vet has remained true to himself: a mid-range maestro. DeRozan has been on a tear lately and was named last week’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
“He is what he is: a good dude, a devastating midrange scorer in an era of high-volume 3-point shooting, and a high-usage guard that can barely power a team into—but maybe not through—the postseason,” Chris Ryan wrote.
Coby White at no. 68
Nobody in their right mind would ever say they saw Coby White’s breakout season coming. After all, the former Tar Heel was a reserve last season who played 23 minutes a game. This season, he is helping carry the Bulls’ offensive load, posting career-high numbers across the board, all while playing the most number of minutes in the NBA.
“Back in the starting lineup and handling the ball more due to Zach LaVine’s injuries, White is flirting with career-high numbers across the board, but the most notable improvement has been his distribution. You won’t confuse his brand of floor general-ing with Chris Paul’s, but White gets the people in the offense going, sparking a chain reaction of ball movement within Chicago’s share-plate lineups,” Justin Verrier said of White.
Alex Caruso at no. 69
And then, there’s the “Bald Mamba,” Alex Caruso, who continues to defend NBA players of all shapes and sizes. While his numbers will not blow anyone away, his impact on the floor for the Bulls is undeniable, whether it’s sublime swipe-downs or electric chase-down blocks.
“He racks up big plays several times a game through his activity—swipe-downs that jar the ball loose from an opponent (and elicit a deep “COOKIES” bellow from broadcaster Stacey King), darts into passing lanes for a steal and a fast break the other way, chase-down blocks because of his refusal to give up on a play,” Verried shared of Caruso.
