Feb 16, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) is defended by Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls have consistently floated near the top of the Eastern Conference standings during the 2021-2022 NBA regular season and that is, in large part, due to the season that DeMar DeRozan has had.
Prior to the start of the off-season, the Bulls acquisition of DeRozan was widely criticized as many considered it to be the worst move of the offseason.
DeRozan, for his part, has silenced his critics this season. Through 55 games this season, DeRozan is averaging 28.1 points per game on 51.7% shooting and a player efficiency rating of 24.7.
DeRozan took his success this season one step further on Wednesday as the forward scored 38 points in the Bulls’ victory against the Sacramento Kings while shooting 58% from the field. For DeRozan, Wednesday’s game marked the seventh consecutive game in which he scored at least 35 points while shooting 50% or better from the field. .
With his performance on Wednesday, DeRozan broke a NBA record that was previously held by Wilt Chamberlain.
Any record that Chamberlain has is not meant to be broken in 2021 or any year in which the modern version of the NBA is on display. Chamberlain was a 7? center during his time in the leaguy and had at least 3-4 inches on any other player in the league. To think that a forward in DeRozan was able to break Chamberlain’s record in 2021 is incredible.
DeRozan has essentially been a cheat code for the Bulls during these past seven games. DeRozan’s run has further expressed the sentiment that the veteran should be receiving MVP consideration this season. DeRozan’s teammate, Zach LaVine, echoed that sentiment when he crashed the veteran forward’s post-game press conference on Wednesday night.
DeMar DeRozan’s incredible 2021-2022 regular season for the Chicago Bulls continued on Wednesday as he broke a NBA record previously held by Wilt Chamberlain.
There is no question that DeRozan has cemented his candidacy for MVP with his current stretch of performances. DeRozan’s has carried the Bulls’ on his shoulders while the team has seen injuries to important players such as LaVine, forward Patrick Williams, and guards Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball.
The true test for DeRozan and Bulls will come during the second half of the season. The Bulls start the second half of the season with a six-game stretch against top teams in both the Western and Eastern conferences. If DeRozan is able to lead the Bulls through that stretch of games and the team is still near the top of the Eastern Conference, there is no question that he can push his way to the top of the line in regards to MVP voting.