DeRozan Is At The MVP Table

Chicago Bulls All-Star DeMar DeRozan is on a tear in the month of February, encapsulating his incredible season.

The buzz around the Bulls has been a season-long topic of discussion, and DeMar DeRozan has led Chicago to an Eastern Conference leading 39-21 record. The team has been spectacular around him, and last night's win was a 10-man effort with key contributions from co-star Zach LaVine (20 PTS), standout rookie Ayo Dosunmu, and new addition Tristan Thompson, but DeRozan led the way with 37 points, a mark that is significant for additional reasons.

A notable "ESPN stat" (referred to as such because it is very, very specific) is that DeRozan recently topped Wilt Chamberlain's record of games with 35+ points on at least 50% shooting in the Bulls' last game before the All-Star break. The specificity of the stat doesn't negate its impressiveness, and DeRozan kept the streak alive last night against the Hawks, with his 37-piece coming on 71% shooting (15-21). His efficiency is a big reason for the team's success as of late.

Here's a breakdown of his last 8 games:

Feb. 6 - 45 PTS (18-30 FG)

Feb. 7 - 38 PTS (16-27 FG)

Feb. 9 - 36 PTS (13-19 FG)

Feb. 11 - 35 PTS (14-22 FG)

Feb. 12 - 38 PTS (12-24 FG)

Feb. 14 - 40 PTS (16-24 FG)

Feb. 16 - 38 PTS (16-27 FG)

Feb. 24 - 37 PTS (15-21 FG)

DeRozan is going old-school with these scoring outbursts, not utilizing the three ball very often. In the last eight games, he has made only six threes (6-14), three of which came on February 9th versus the Hornets, and two from last night against the Hawks. His ability to thrive in the mid-range and get to the hoop with authority is a big reason for this efficient run, and his play style will allow him to continue this trend.

His season averages are 28.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 5.1 APG on 52.1% shooting from the field. Here's how those stats stack up with his MVP competition:

Joel Embiid's 29.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, and 4.5 APG on 49.5% shooting

Giannis Antetokounmpo's 29.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, and 6.0 APG on 54.7% shooting

Reigning MVP Nikola Jokic's 26.0 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 7.9 APG on 57.0% shooting

While his averages aren't as good as those guys, DeRozan has his team in the top seed in the East, which gives him a boost to counteract his lower rebounding stats. It is also a well-known fact that MVP seasons are often driven by narratives, and DeRozan bringing the Bulls back to the postseason is a feel-good story that voters will surely consider, not to mention his spectacular buzzer-beating game winners on back to back nights.

Let's flash back to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Bulls vs. Pacers, Dec. 31, 2021:

Bulls vs. Wizards, Jan. 1, 2022:

MVPs are built by moments like these, and DeRozan has had his fair share of unforgettable moments in a Chicago uniform this season. He's the best thing to happen to the Bulls since Derrick Rose, and probably since Michael Jordan.

DeRozan's MVP stock has risen quickly, and he's coming for Embiid, Jokic, and Giannis.