Like many NBA awards, this season’s Most Improved Player award is a tight race. Currently, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (-600) is the betting favorite to win the award. However, after losing to his team last night, Golden State Warriors point guard Chris Paul believes Coby White of the Chicago Bulls deserves the honor:
It was a matchup against his mentee, Bulls guard Coby White, who Paul considers a little brother and this season’s NBA Most Improved Player. “He better get it,” Paul told The Athletic following the Bulls’ 125-122 win.
Paul further endorsed White’s game, calling him “a hard worker” and “a winner”:
“Coby deserves it,” Paul said of his success this season. “He’s always been a hard worker. But the way he worked this past summer was different. He’s getting a chance to see the fruits of his labor.” But there’s another level White wants to reach. “I know Coby’s a winner,” Paul said. “So he wants to be on that stage playing in big games.”
Coby White working out with Chris Paul. pic.twitter.com/x6cMqWNkqv
— BullsMuse (@BullsMuse_) May 26, 2023
White (+700) has the second-highest odds to win the award behind Maxey. In a recent interview, White talked about how much winning the Most Improved Player award would mean to him:
For as humble as he is, Coby White doesn’t put on any airs about how being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player would resonate. “It would mean a lot to me,” White said. “Just to show the progress I’ve made and to set the example to younger guys around the NBA that people can count you out and say what you want about you. But as long as you stay true to who you are, keep working and stay humble throughout, things can come your way.”
Chris Paul Reveals His Pick for NBA Most Improved Player
Is Chris Paul Right About Coby White?
White is having a career year this season for the Bulls. In 63 games played, all starts, the 24-year-old is averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Furthermore, White is shooting a career-high 45.6% from the field and 39.2% from the three-point line. To compare, White only started two of 74 games played last season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.
Maxey, on the other hand, is averaging 26 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Interestingly, Maxey’s shooting stats are down from last season (48.1 FG% to 44.9 FG% and 43.4 3pt% to 37.8 3pt%). However, with his increased usage following the James Harden trade and Joel Embiid‘s injury, it’s not a shock his efficiency took a hit.
As it stands, Maxey is having the better season, but it’s a legitimate argument to say White improved more from last season.
The Last Word
With a little over a month left this season, this award race will likely go down to the wire. The next closest betting favorites are Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams (+1400) and Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun (+2200). For now, it looks like it’s a two-man race until the end. Paul’s endorsement is fair, and White is deserving of the award.
