Ranking the Chicago Bulls' best players in 2024: DeRozan’s elite form continues

After an early exit in the Play-In phase of the 2022/23 season, the Chicago Bulls continued to struggle in the 2023/24 campaign. At the end of the Regular Season, they finished 9th in the Eastern Conference with 39 wins and 43 losses. In the Play-In, they defeated the Atlanta Hawks 131-116 but then lost to the Miami Heat 112-91, once again missing out on the Playoffs.

Despite this, the Bulls still had several bright spots, with a number of players delivering strong performances. basketscores.com lists the Chicago Bulls' best players in 2024.

Chicago Bulls' best players in 2024

1. DeMar DeRozan

Continuing his strong form from the 2022/23 season, DeMar DeRozan remained one of the Bulls' best players in 2023/24. He recorded impressive numbers, including: 24.0 points per game, 5.3 assists per game (the second-highest average of his career), and 4.3 rebounds per game. In addition, he led the entire NBA in total minutes played (2,989 minutes) and average minutes per game (37.8), appearing in 79 games.

In terms of playing style, DeRozan remained highly effective with his mid-range shooting and skillful footwork. When Zach LaVine suffered an injury and missed most of the season, DeRozan became the main leader of the team, both on the court and in the locker room, especially for younger players such as Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.

Furthermore, DeRozan’s most notable strength was his performance in clutch situations. He scored a total of 182 points in clutch moments (when the score difference was within 5 points in the final 5 minutes), helping the Chicago Bulls secure 27 important wins and stay competitive throughout the season.

2. Coby White

Coby White had a breakout season, especially when Zach LaVine was sidelined, becoming the Bulls' primary playmaker. His scoring average increased significantly from 9.7 points per game in the 2022/23 season to 19.1 in 2023/24. He also recorded a career-high 5.1 assists per game and ranked second in the NBA in total minutes played, only behind DeMar DeRozan.

White also set a new franchise record for three-pointers in a single season, making 209 shots from beyond the arc, surpassing the previous record held by Zach LaVine.

In terms of playing style, White was very dangerous in transition. He often pushed the ball forward quickly and attacked the basket before the defense could organize. In addition to his three-point shooting, he improved his finishing ability near the rim and used his speed to get past taller defenders. This season, he also showed better decision-making, knowing when to pass and when to take responsibility for scoring.

3. Nikola Vučević

Once again, Nikola Vučević played an important role as a central figure in the team. In the 2023/24 season, he averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Although his three-point shooting percentage dropped slightly (around 29%), his scoring efficiency in the paint and mid-range areas remained reliable.

Vučević played a key role in controlling the paint, especially when the Bulls lacked strong backup options at center. He is known for his ability to play with his back to the basket and his effective shooting around the rim. While DeRozan and White contributed more from the perimeter, Vučević provided stability in rebounding and inside scoring.

4. Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu, another young player developed by the Bulls, had a solid season in 2023/24. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He also shot an impressive 40.3% from three-point range.

Dosunmu’s biggest strength is his speed. He is one of the fastest players in the league in transition, often finishing fast breaks with strong drives to the basket. In addition, his versatility stood out. With his length and quick movement, he was frequently assigned to defend opposing guards and key players.

He also showed reliability in his overall play. Despite playing at a fast pace, he made relatively few mistakes, contributed defensively with steals, and provided good support in team defense.

5. Alex Caruso

In the 2023/24 season, Alex Caruso not only remained strong defensively but also improved his offensive contribution. He averaged 10.1 points per game and shot an excellent 40.8% from three-point range, with an average of 4.7 attempts per game. His defensive numbers were also impressive, with 1.7 steals and 1.0 block per game, making him one of the few guards in the league to average at least one steal and one block per game.

Despite being 1.96 m tall, Caruso was often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best offensive players, from quick guards to bigger forwards. Thanks to his consistent performances, he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2024, after being named to the First Team the previous season.

BasketScores has ranked the Chicago Bulls' best players in 2024. For the latest basketball schedules, please visit the website via the provided link.