Despite elimination, Bulls have formed an elite backcourt for the future

Long regarded as a talented yet streaky scorer, White took a significant step forward this year. Since the All-Star break, the 25-year-old has displayed a newfound maturity in both his decision-making and efficiency. 

His 44-point explosion against the Orlando Magic on March 6 was a career high, but more telling was the consistency he showed throughout the second half of the season.

White averaged 24.5 points per game post-All-Star break while shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc for the season. In March, he elevated his game further, posting 27.7 points per contest across 15 games, making him one of the NBA’s top scorers during that stretch. 

His 636 total points since the All-Star break ranked ninth in the league, ahead of marquee names like Nikola Jokic and DeMar DeRozan, and just behind the likes of Stephen Curry and Devin Booker.

Alongside him, Giddey has proved to be a savvy addition. Acquired in a bold offseason trade that sent defensive maestro Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City, the 22-year-old Australian playmaker needed time to find his rhythm in Chicago. But down the stretch, he made good on the Bulls’ bet.

Giddey led the team with 25 points and 10 rebounds in the elimination game against Miami and capped the regular season on a tear, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists over his final 19 games while shooting an impressive 45.7 percent from three. 

He recorded several triple-doubles in that span and became just the third player in Bulls history to post 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season, joining Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Together, White and Giddey bring a balanced mix of scoring, creativity and versatility that has reinvigorated Chicago’s outlook. With Lonzo Ball’s long-term future still uncertain, the Bulls may have already found their backcourt of the future — and perhaps, the foundation of a new era.