DeMar DeRozan was a top-notch player when playing in Toronto for 9 seasons, he was scoring almost 20 a night playing for the Raptors – and then he ramped it up and took his scoring ability to the next level – when he played for San Antonio at the age of 29. When he played for the Spurs from 2018 to 2020 he was their best player putting up 22 and 6 dimes every night, he actually has been getting better with age, like a fine wine. The guy has scored 20 or more pts / game in a season since 2013, and he is extremely durable. He has been the X-Factor for the Chicago Bulls so far this season.

Derozan has shown to be one of the best mid-range shooters in the game today, he can take players off the dribble and is also very dangerous off of the screen. With a career scoring average of 20.5 / game, and a career shooting percentage of 46%. With a sweet stroke and great timing – which is the reason why he’s been hitting 48% or better of his shots for the last 4 seasons. He has the ability to knock down 4 or 5 shots in a row especially when the team needs it, which is a great way to kickstart a team when not playing as well as expected.

When he arrived in Chicago he was automatically being put into position with another very good talent in 26 yr old Zach LaVine. Now, LaVine is a very good scorer but just hasn’t shown to have the leadership ability that a veteran like Derozan brings to the team. The Bulls were not able to get past 31 wins with LaVine being their team leader. Don’t get me wrong, LaVine is a very good young player – a guy who is easily able to score 30 or more on any given night – but he hasn’t shown to have the ability to lead. Now with DeRozan added to the lineup it gives them a legit leader with a guy who can score at seemingly any moment to help them win the games that need a little extra. Giving the Bulls 2 explosive scoring options to a team that is sitting at 7th in the NBA in scoring /game – where they were only at 21st last season.

Chicago has not won 43 or more games in 7 years, they have lacked team unity and excitement for quite some time. They will be tough once the NBA Playoffs begin.
DeRozan now hopes that they can become legitimate contenders for the Eastern Conference Championship again, and I firmly believe that they are in serious contention for the Conference title, Chicago hasn’t found itself in legit contention since 2014. DeRozan brings them the veteran leadership and a smooth and easy scoring game to bring them to the next level – they have shown that they have the game to play with the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference. This team has played excellently this year. They absolutely have the team that can make it to the Conference Championship.

If you’re not paying attention to this Chicago team this year – you better start.