The Chicago Bulls came into the 2021-22 NBA season expecting to make a jump up in the standings. After the moves, they made at the trade deadline and in free agency, the organization had confidence they would get back into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Thus far, they have been correct.
Chicago is tied with the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards atop the Eastern Conference with 7-3 records. The Bulls are getting it done on both ends of the court and look like a team that will remain near the top of the conference for the duration of the season.
One of the reasons the team is finding so much success thus far is the performance of DeMar DeRozan. There were a lot of detractors when it came to his decision to sign with the Bulls.
People questioned the amount of money he signed for, as he agreed to a three-year, $85 million deal in a sign-and-trade from the San Antonio Spurs. They also didn’t believe he would be a good fit in the Bulls’ lineup given his skill set. So far so good in Chicago, as DeRozan and the team are rolling.
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DeRozan is in the midst of one of the best offensive seasons in his career. He is averaging 26.9 points per game as he and Zach LaVine are one of the highest-scoring duos in the NBA. Having two players capable of carrying an offense in the fashion they are is a great luxury for head coach Billy Donovan.
DeRozan is doing it by dominating the mid-range, as he has done for years, shooting 50.3 percent from the field. But, it is his newfound willingness to expand his range to the 3-point line which is helping things in Chicago.
DeRozan isn’t a high-volume shooter, but he is keeping opponents honest. He has made 9-of-23 3-point attempts thus far this season, good for 39.1 percent. That would be a career-high percentage for the former USC Trojan, who is on pace to attempt more 3-pointers this season than he did during his entire tenure with the Spurs.
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Many people thought spacing would be a concern for the Bulls, but with DeMar DeRozan’s adjustment to his approach on offense, it is not the issue many thought it would be. Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, the team’s other acquisitions this offseason, have also been playing well.
Right now the only thing that will slow down the Chicago Bulls is their depth. They were lacking before Patrick Williams went down with a wrist injury and could certainly use some reinforcements.
