Golden State Warriors veteran Chris Paul told NBA reporter Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic that Chicago Bulls guard Coby White “better” win this year’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
Paul and White have a very close relationship.
“He better get it,” Paul said. “He’s not just doing it every now and again. He’s doing it night in and night out. And that’s when you earn that respect around the league. I posted that move he did the other night against Sac. And I think it was cool to see other guys around the league who responded to that.
“His ballhandling got a lot better. And you can just see — and we talk about it all the time — with the work, confidence comes. And for me, I’m somewhat of a big brother to a lot of them because I’ve known them so long.”
White is averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season for the Bulls while shooting 45.6% from the field, 39.2% from beyond the arc and 83.7% from the free-throw line. He’s one of the top young guards in the NBA.
“Coby deserves it,” Paul said. “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.”
White told NBA reporter K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago that he wants to win the Most Improved Player of the Year Award. The UNC product is averaging 10.0 points more this season compared to last season.
“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.”
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