After missing the playoffs for the second straight season, the Chicago Bulls appear to be inching closer to a rebuild. This summer, the team lost veteran center Andre Drummond and traded guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. However, easily their biggest loss of the offseason was star DeMar DeRozan. After three seasons in Chicago, DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings via a sign-and-trade. With the California native going back home, the Bulls are losing more than just their best player on the court. They are also losing a veteran leader and a great locker room presence. However, without him on the roster anymore, it seems that another Bulls player is prepared to take that step–Coby White.

“DeMar always led by example. He wasn’t always the loudest guy in the room or most talkative guy in the room. But if we had a meeting, he was early. If we had a bus time, he was one of the first ones there. He was never late to a meeting. He was always ready to go. When the game came, it was always about business,” White said. “And the way he took me, Dos, DT (Dalen Terry), Pat under his wing, it shed light on the things that I’m looking forward to when I get older. And that can start now for me.”

Chicago Bulls Guard Speaks About New Leadership Role

Coby White is Coming Off a Career Year

The UNC alum has been with the Bulls since they drafted him in 2019. Except for Zach LaVine, who will likely remain with the Bulls heading into the 2024-25 season, White is Chicago’s longest-tenured player. White is fresh off the best season of his career. Last year, he averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. All these numbers are career highs for White.

Additionally, he finished second in Most Improved Player voting behind Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey. Despite not winning the award, White received a public endorsement from legendary guard Chris Paul, who called the Bulls guard “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.”

The Last Word on Coby White

White has progressed a lot since joining the league five years ago. With the Bulls heading towards a rebuild, he becomes an even more important part of the team. What he can do off the court is now as important as what he can do on it. Chicago likely will not compete for a title anytime soon. However, it will still be worth monitoring their future to see what type of impact White will have as a leader.