The most highly anticipated storyline headed into the Chicago Bulls 2023-24 campaign is who will be occupying the starting point guard position. The options are fourth-year guard Coby White, third-year guard Ayo Dosunmu, or Jevon Carter, who they inked to a three-year contract this summer. White has drawn the first two starts of the preseason, and while that’s not the end decision, it’s an interesting indicator of how the Bulls may begin the regular season. Stacking up the stats, eye tests, and trends of the three gives some insight for their season opener in two weeks.
Former North Carolina Tar Heel Coby White was originally drafted seventh overall in the 2019 NBA Draft due to his offensive prowess. His three-point abilities, speed in transition, and distributing skills were on full display at Chapel Hill, and at a time of need in Chicago’s backcourt, White was the best possible option. Underwhelming with his efficiency and defensive woes to begin his career, he’s improved in nearly every aspect of the game since he’s arrived on the big stage. Last year, he was the sixth man and the bulk of the scoring in the second unit. He’d often be in the closing lineup for his ability to stretch the floor and knock down the three-ball. So far this preseason, he’s improved even further in the scoring and playmaking departments.
While his improvement on the offensive side may lead many to believe he’s a surefire lock for the starting gig, it may mean the opposite. Chicago has a surplus of scoring options in the first unit, something they lack beyond the starting five. White returning to the bench could lead a strong bench group while still allowing him to be ball-dominant on the floor, a role he’s flourished in his young career. Suppose he was alongside LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic. In that case, he’d be subject to many of the same constraints that Patrick Williams is experiencing, given that he’s the fourth option in that frontline group.
In 22.5 minutes per game this preseason, White is averaging 11 points, five assists, and two and a half turnovers per contest. There’s much more room for that volume of scoring and ball-handling to be featured in the bench unit, similar to the success he found there last season.
It’s hard to ignore what Jevon Carter looks like early on for the Chicago Bulls. Three-point shooting, defensively suffocating the opposition, ball security, and being a transition specialist are all attributes that Ball excelled in for the Bulls during his short stint with the team, and some similar highlights seen from Carter early on this preseason. Averaging a modest eight points and three assists per game, his value comes in the fit alongside the starting group.
Only turning the ball over once in 33 minutes on the floor thus far and shooting 50% from the field in his first two contests, including 43% from deep, are clear indicators of his fit with the starting five. He does not need the rock in his hands to operate; he’s a much more capable defender than White or Dosunmu, and his ball security also tops the two younger guards. The ability to perform efficiently when called upon will be a valued asset alongside the big three of LaVine, Vucevic, and DeRozan. While he may not be lighting up the box score like White is, the mold of what Chicago needs at the starting point guard spot is leaning more toward Carter’s skillset.
Ayo Dosunmu hasn’t done anything to lose the starting point guard job but hasn’t done anything to win it. He’s been the perfectly average version of the three, scoring at a less efficient clip and with less volume than either Carter or White. He’s also been getting second and third-string runs in the first two preseason games and is manning the third unit. All signs point to Dosunmu fading to a role player and less of a true point guard. His defense is reckless and inconsistent, his playmaking is nothing special, and his basketball IQ is seemingly lower than his running mates.
His main argument for earning the starting gig is his size. At 6’5″ and 200 pounds, he’s the most lengthy and built of the three and can contribute to a larger lineup. He’s also going to contribute the most on the boards of the three, an attribute that’s not necessarily needed in the Bulls lineup. His energy and ability to play off-ball in the offense could contribute to playing a role similar to Patrick Williams, a catch-and-shoot defensive specialist who can do the dirty work for Chicago’s rotation.
After two preseason outings, this is looking like a two-man race, Carter and White. While White has impressed offensively more than Carter, which may lead him to a more significant role on the team, but not being named the starting point guard. Giving him the keys to the second unit with the freedom to play his on-ball style of basketball, making the bench scoring dependent on his shooting and playmaking abilities is the most likely outcome. Carter’s defense, ball security, and catch-and-shoot three-point efficiency will likely earn him the spot alongside LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic in the starting five.
