Many were skeptical of the Chicago Bulls coming into the season. Despite the talent they brought in during the offseason, fit became a primary concern. In a league that has become more oriented around outside shooting, the Bulls became a team that appeared to lack much in that regard. However, their efforts this season have glossed over most of their potential issues. A large part of that has to do with DeMar DeRozan coming up huge for the Bulls early on.
Alongside other new additions in Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, Chicago has bloomed into a legitimate threat. Other key performers like Zach LaVine have maintained form and aided the team as well. Reflecting on their hot start to the season, DeMar DeRozan spoke on the immediate benefits he has reaped from his time in Chicago.
We can’t play this game forever, so I want to get as much as I can out of it… [J]ust knowing my ability was always there, I never lost confidence. I never thought I couldn’t be who I was before. Chicago allowed me to completely be myself.”
DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan currently sits at third place in league scoring, averaging about 27 points per game, the second-highest mark in his career. In his most recent showing, he kept pace as he led his team in a runaway win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The 13-year veteran led all scorers with 38 points on the night.
The 2021-22 Chicago Bulls
This year the Chicago Bulls had to become at least a playoff contender. With Zach LaVine’s free agency looming, along with the team’s future at hand, Chicago had to position themselves to ascend. Fortunately, their moves this offseason have seemingly allowed them to take those necessary steps. Players have built up a solid rapport with one another and have situated themselves nicely inside the organization.
They rank top five in the NBA in defensive rating and boast two top ten scorers. These factors have allowed them to stand atop the Eastern Conference early on. Though we still have a long way to go, their fast start to the year bodes well for their playoff ambitions. Chicago hasn’t made the postseason since 2017 and the Finals since 1998. Should they keep up, surely one of those droughts will have to end this season.
