NBA: Ranking the top 10 players at the one-month mark of the season

6. DeMar DeRozan – Chicago Bulls

This has easily been the move of the summer.

When it was announced that DeRozan would sign with the Chicago Bulls, many people were scratching their heads. Why would Chicago, a team looking to build around an emerging Zach LaVine, want an aging slasher that doesn’t have a good 3-point shot?

Well, the move was a stroke of genius, as DeRozan is averaging his highest PPG (25.3) since 2017 and (along with LaVine) has led the Bulls to an 8-4 start. You would be forgiven if you thought DeRozan would slowly fade into obscurity given his declining athleticism and lack of outside shooting, but he has proven his doubters wrong and looks set for another All-Star appearance.

The Bulls have formed a very exciting quartet of DeRozan, LaVine, Ball, and Caruso that loves to get up and down the court, force turnovers and finish fast breaks with a bunch of highlights. This is perfect for DeRozan as it maximizes his skill-set as a scorer and a playmaker.

Player revivals are always great to see and DeRozan’s is no different.