NBA Power Rankings: Buy or sell the Chicago Bulls atop the East?

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DeMar DeRozan (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

In the latest edition of our NBA Power Rankings, we explore whether the Chicago Bulls’ hot start is sustainable.

At nearly the midway point of the 2021-22 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls have evolved into more than just a good story. They’re currently 26-10 and sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. This is a start to the season that not many envisioned.

And while the Bulls have impressed at every turn, you can’t help but feel a bit bullish (no pun intended) about their chances at sustaining this level of dominance.

Chicago has a top 12 offense and defense and a let starting 5. The one big question mark revolves around DeMar DeRozan, who has been the team’s leading scorer and best player through the first 36 games of the season.

DeRozan is having the best season of his career at age 32 and, for one reason or another, the team’s championship aspirations may hinge on his ability to continue to play at that level and into the playoffs.

Question is, considering all that, are the Bulls really the best team in the Eastern Conference? Right now, despite DeRozan’s playoff history, it’s hard to deny that.