Analysing the odds of the Bulls’ top 4 All-Star Game candidates in 2024
After weathering the storm of trade speculations and suggestions of teardown at the start of the season. The Chicago Bulls have at least managed to create an impressive recovery for themselves so far. Even in the wake of Zach Lavine’s foot injury, the Bulls managed to enjoy the best stretch of their campaign, winning six of their last nine games without the star hotshot.
Credit to coach Billy Donovan for applying a much faster pace and a system that fully emphasized ball movement. From there, the Bulls have gladly risen to the occasion, and the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic seized outstanding individual performances.
As the NBA officially opened the fan voting for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game on Tuesday, here is a brief analysis of how Deebo, Coby, and Vooch have fared so far to secure a spot in Indianapolis.
DeMar DeRozan
Stats: 22.2 PTS, 5.2 AST, 3.6 REB, 44.1 FG%
Number of career All-Star selections: 6
Chances to be a 2024 All-Star: Moderate
The rumblings about his uncertain future in Chicago didn’t bother DeMar DeRozan to continue spear heading the Bulls’ surprising rally.
As Donovan advocated for a faster pace and higher ball movement volume, Deebo saw himself orchestrating the Bulls’ offense. He is averaging a team-high 5.2 assists this season and managed to elevate his three-point accuracy by shooting a career-best 36.8 percent from beyond. While his field goal efficiency has disappointingly dropped, his 22.2 points average is still considerably reputable.
It is slightly difficult to envision DeMar making it given the loaded frontcourt and backcourt talent of the East. But should he manage to power Chicago on a winning record, his All-Star case can gain a considerable bump.
Coby White
Stats: 17.5 PTS, 4.9 AST, 4.0 REB, 45.2 FG%
Number of career All-Star selections: 0
Chances to be a 2024 All-Star: Low
Coby White has been recently turning the heads around of not only the Bulls faithful but plenty of the league fans as well.
After a poor start, Coby found a power within himself and suddenly flipped the switch in the absence of LaVine. He became much more aggressive and boldly filled the void left by the All-Star, averaging 25.4 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.0 boards in the past nine games. His outside shots have been efficiently lethal, converting 48.2 percent rate out of 9.4 attempts.
If there’s a Bull who rightfully deserves to be named an All-Star this 2023-24, it has to be Coby. Unfortunately, the Conference has a logjam for guards in the All-Star admission, but it will be interesting if White joins in the mix once he maintains his superior play.
Nikola Vucevic
Stats: 16.7 PTS, 10.5 REB, 3.5 AST, 45.3 FG%
Number of career All-Star selections: 2
Chances to be a 2024 All-Star: Low
Fresh from re-signing a three-year, $60MM extension with the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic has been living up to his promise just like what is expected.
He is averaging 16.7 points, 10.5 boards, and 3.5 assists so far — a similar stat line to what he managed to compile last season. But a critical segment of his this year has been efficiency, wherein he’s shooting 45.3 percent from the field — his lowest since his rookie year — and an abysmal 27.9 percent from downtown.
With the East possessing heavy frontcourt names, it is highly unlikely that Vooch will be considered thus far. And considering the numbers he averaged from his last All-Star participation in 2021, his current season statistics are insufficient enough to solidify his chances to land in Indy.
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