4. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the biggest surprises of the season in the Eastern Conference. While Zach LaVine is often identified as the engine of the Bulls, the injection of DeMar DeRozan has clearly adjusted the ceiling for this team.
Through the first few games of the season, DeRozan is averaging 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game on 51 percent shooting from the field 39 percent shooting from 3-point range. Chicago is tied for the best record in the East and they look like they have staying power.
DeRozan is a big part of the team’s early-season success, but it would be unfair to expect him to remain in the top 5 of the NBA MVP Ladder for the duration of the season. Still, he deserves some love for his early-season impact on the Bulls.