Chicago Bulls

The case for Nic Claxton starts on the defensive end, but it does not stop there.

For much of the season, the Chicago Bulls managed an uneven roster situation, working through injuries while still finishing 46-36 and staying in the postseason mix. The stability of that outcome, internally, is largely tied to Claxton’s presence as a defensive anchor and evolving two-way piece.

Defensively, the impact is measurable and consistent. Claxton finished 7th in blocks per game (1.8) and 5th in total blocks (136). He also ranked 3^rd in both steals per game (1.8) and total steals (134), a rare combination for a Center and a reflection of how often he disrupts actions away from the basket.

On the glass, he remained reliable, finishing 9th in DRPG and helping Chicago end possessions. That stability allowed the Bulls to maintain aggressive perimeter coverages without constantly collapsing their scheme. He also finished 12th in the league in double-doubles with 51, in large part due to his offensive jump.

Offensively, the jump was significant. Claxton saw a 7.4 PPG jump season over season. 17.4 points per game this year, up from 10.0 the previous season, while also improving his rebounding to 12.5 per game (11.6 last season) and his assists to 2.9 per game (1.7 last season). His efficiency surged as well, finishing at 81% from the field compared to 67% a year ago. The only statistical dip came in blocks per game, but that came alongside a broader defensive workload and increased offensive involvement.

Head coach Billy Donovan pointed to the decision making leap as the separator.

“He’s always had defensive tools,” Donovan said. “What’s changed is how quickly he’s processing things. He’s in the right spot earlier, he’s cleaning up plays without needing help, and offensively he’s finishing everything around the rim. That’s a real step forward.”

The broader value shows up in how the Bulls are able to play around him. That impact is probably best captured by teammate LaMelo Ball:

“Man, Nic just ruining everything for the other team,” LaMelo said. “Like I blink and he’s already swatting something or stealing it. It’s kinda wild. He’s back there so you can kinda gamble or be a little slow on a read and he’ll clean that shit up anyway. I’m just glad he’s on my team.”

That dynamic matters. Chicago’s perimeter defenders are able to pressure more aggressively knowing there is coverage behind them. Mistakes do not automatically turn into points. Rotations do not have to be perfect every possession. Claxton reduces the cost of being slightly wrong.

That is where the Most Improved Player case starts to take shape. The statistical leap is clear, but so is the increase in responsibility and influence. He is not just finishing plays anymore; he is stabilizing them.

The All-Defensive Team argument follows the same logic. Claxton is not only protecting the rim, but he is also altering how opposing offenses are built around it. Few players across the league impact as many possessions in as many different ways defensively.

The Bulls’ 46-win season may not be framed as a title contender’s breakthrough, but within that context, Claxton’s season stands out as one of the most complete two-way escalations in the league. Not a sudden emergence, more a clear expansion of what he already was, now stretched across a full season of responsibility.