For a question that could be right out of a Wu-Tang ballad, I find myself feeling oddly accomplished for lining up such a great seasonal and on-brand pun. It’s almost like I have 1000 more words to write and none of them will be better than what I just typed. But that’s okay, I’m a fantasy writer, disappointment is something I know very well. You think disappointment is your ally? You merely adopted it, I was born in it, molded by it. But beyond that existential despair, there lies something better, actual content focusing on DeMar DeRozan. And it’s no coincidence we’re talking (or writing) about him while coming off a big Bulls win against the Lakers with DeRozan leading the charge with 38 points, four rebounds, and six assists with 19 in the fourth quarter. Now that we’re approaching the “almost the halfway” point of the season, it’s probably safe to say that this’ll be DeRozan’s best year-to-date, but will it be? That question will be pontificated on and more, just after the jump…
Want the best tools and projections to help dominate your league? Check out the Stocktonator, the byproduct of Rudy and machine making love. Click HERE for a FREE 3-day trial.
DeMar DeRozan, DeOneAndOnly had a really great game against LeBron and the Lakers, that much is certain. What is not so certain (surprise) is where this season might be coming from, especially since we’re talking about a post-Spurs, post-Popovich career stage on a Bulls team that has been, recently, not really that good. More bear than bull, amiright? But with DeMar having one of the best DeMidRange shots in the game, it’s kinda easy to see his development when you take a step back. Many would say he’s improved this season, but I think it’s more correct to say that DeMar has always been DeProving. That’s “improving” when you take out the reoccurring joke part. Just want to be clear, because if he were de-evolving, DeRozan wouldn’t have new telepathic powers, he’d probably be an amoeba in that context, for example. What were we talking about again?
That’s right, DeRozan has always been improving. And anyone can glance at his stat sheet and feel the same way, trust me, bro. But just out of ease for you, the reader, here’s an easy trend line. 17.2 average points in his second season, 23.5 in his seventh season, and 26.8 this season. Not exactly a professional presentation to prove a point (there are even outliers!), but I promise, if you put most of his career numbers (especially rebounds and assists) together on a table and draw a line, you’ll see it slowly goes up from left to right.
But maybe this isn’t so surprising to San Antonio fans, the many dozens of you, but for those who are uninitiated, he is quite the all-around savvy basketball player, always wanting to expand and perfect his game with the tenacity and drive to do so. There’s tons of anecdotal stuff out there too; using every offseason to implement something new to his game, creating strategies to improve on something tangible like vision, something not so tangible like leadership. And it wasn’t just Popovich, but Chip Engelland, his old shooting coach. It was the years in Toronto, setting up the roots of his conditioning with an unheralded work ethic and focused attitude.
If you hadn’t guessed it, I’m a fan and you should be too. Dude’s a winner wherever he goes, and with the Bulls, it just so happens that this team is young, hungry, and creates a lot of space, an environment where DeMar DeRozan can thrive.
Oh, and one other thing, after last night’s game, DeRozan now leads the NBA in fourth-quarter points per game and is shooting 50% for two-pointers, 40% for three’s, and 90% at the line. Granted, his three-point shot is certainly not elite and can be erratic, but this little stat snapshot shows a player that can lead a team when it matters the most, and 2021’s performance, if it continues, may just put him in the conversation for DeMVP.
So take it from me, or take it from the source; DeMarvellousDeRozan. He’s only gotten better and he may be at his peak. Which means you should all be wanting some of DeOneAndOlny.
And yes, don’t worry, I’m pretty much out of words that I can “de”.
Maybe…
