The report predicts Coby White will finish runner-up in the Most Improved Player race

White may have to settle for runner-up in the MIP race.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023-2024 season hasn’t offered anything different for the Chicago Bulls and their faithful. The front office brought back essentially the same team from last season, refused to move at the trade deadline, and continues to target a spot in the Play-In Tournament. It’s likely they’ll make it there and even slip into the postseason, where they’ll promptly get walloped by one of the East’s beasts.

Despite the redundancy of the team’s play, there is one bright spot for Bulls fans: Coby White. The fifth-year guard has taken a significant leap this season and looks poised to be a front-runner in the Most Improved Player race. 

According to a recent report by Bleacher Report, White is predicted to finish as runner-up in the MIP race behind only Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors. This prediction isn’t surprising, considering White’s impressive statistics this season.

Improved overall play

While some players’ boosts in numbers can be attributed to increased playing time and usage, the former Tar Heel has really upped his game in all aspects. White is averaging career highs in points (19.3), assists (5.3), rebounds (4.8), and field goal percentage (44%). He’s also showing growth in his decision-making and playmaking abilities, often facilitating the offense and setting up his teammates for easy baskets.

“White was more of a combo guard earlier in his career, but an assist rate that spiked from 16.3 percent last year to 21.5 percent this season suggests he's closer to a true point guard than many thought. White is also getting to the foul line more frequently than ever and has upped his true shooting percentage to a career-best 58.6 percent,” Grant Hughes wrote.

“It's been a dark year for the Bulls, but White's emergence represents a real bright spot.”

How did Coby make this??? 🤯@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/PWxbJtW7by

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2024

Deebo  to finish second in the Clutch Player of the Year 

Another Bull in the race for another end-of-season award is veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion when the game hangs in the balance, it’s only fitting that Deebo is considered for the Clutch Player of the Year award. While Bleacher Report predicts the Golden State Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry will come away as the winner, DeRozan has a thing or two to say about that.

“DeRozan's 114 clutch points don't come close to Curry's total, but the Bulls are plus-52 in his 128 clutch minutes,” Hughes remarked.

“Damian Lillard joins DeRozan as the only other player with at least 100 clutch points and a team plus-minus of at least plus-50, but DeRozan's shooting splits of 51.5/50.0/85.1 crush Lillard's 41.7/28.1/95.6.”

Jab step. Pull up. SPLASH.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/6AdbGRIlYt

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 29, 2024

Coby White says the heavy minutes he's playing isn't the reason for his recent shooting struggles