© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Longtime Chicago Bulls insider says Coby White may be the favorite to win "Most Improved Player"
The Chicago Bulls have had several players get recognition for their individual performances over the last few seasons. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been All-Stars, while Alex Caruso garnered a spot on the prestigious All-Defensive First Team. This season, despite the Bulls’ subpar record, guard Coby White appears to have the inside track in the race for the “Most Improved Player” award.
Coby has a shot at it
According to longtime Bulls chronicler Sam Smith, the former Tar Heel has a legitimate shot at taking home the coveted award—one that was won by the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Ja Morant, and Julius Randle, to name a few.
“Yes, a shot, if he’s still not the favorite,” Smith wrote.
“Just on numbers, he might be deserving as he’s basically doubled his scoring average from last season and is trending upward. If the Bulls’ record improves and they make a run toward No. 6 in the East, I think he has an excellent chance.”
Overcame a slow start
Things didn’t go well for the Goldsboro, North Carolina native early this season as he shot the ball poorly and averaged only 15.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in November as the Bulls slumped to a 5-14 record. In the 33 games since that point, White has stepped up, boosting his averages to 22.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 47 percent from the field, including 40 percent from the deep.
Smith says this turnaround may play a role in where White ends up in the voting.
“He’s come from behind with his slow start to the season shooting, but is moving into the top three of the likely voting. The 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey has been the favorite all season, but who knows how that changes with Embiid out. If the 76ers record doesn’t fade badly, he probably wins,” Smith continued.
“Houston’s Sengun is probably in the runner-up spot with Coby and perhaps Golden State’s Kumunga coming with a late charge if the Warriors make a move. But Coby is in there and would be a deserving selection.”
