DeMar DeRozan Leads Resurgent Chicago Bulls

Last season, the Chicago Bulls were 31-41 and did not make the playoffs. Still, there were some hopeful signs that the team was close to being a playoff team for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Zach LaVine was emerging as a top notch scorer, averaging 27.4 points per game and veteran center Nikola Vucevic averaged 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The Bulls needed something more, and in August, they made a move, acquiring DeMar DeRozan from San Antonio in a trade.

It was a good move. Through 52 games, DeRozan is averaging 27.5 points per game, which is slightly above his career best of 27.3 in 2016-17 when he was with Toronto. His 5.1 assists per game lead the team. DeRozan has been red hot the last few weeks; he scored a season high 45 points against Philadelphia on February 6th, and is averaging 34.6 points per game in February. With LaVine (24.6 points per game) and Vucevic (17.7) also having fine seasons, the Bulls are 35-21, tied for the lead in the Central Division and 3rd in the Eastern Conference, just a game behind conference leader Miami.

Here’s some highlights from the Bulls’ game on February 11th, a 134-122 win over Minnesota. DeRozan scored 35 points in this one to lead the team.