The Chicago Bulls made an unexpected sign-and-trade move in the offseason by acquiring DeMar DeRozan to form a dynamic scoring duo with Zach LaVine. There were a slew of doubts surrounding the pairing because both are ball-dominant scorers with question marks on defense, but they have shut all the critics down as the Bulls sit atop the Eastern Conference at the start of 2022 with a 24-10 record.

DeRozan has been leading the charge for Chicago with averages of 26.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Despite missing four games to due health and safety protocols, DeRozan leads the whole Association in fourth-quarter scoring with 241 points, 17 points ahead of second-place Giannis Antetokounmpo. DeRozan's play in clutch time has been exceptional, punctuated by his back-to-back game-winning triples on successive days against the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards. After these past games, DeRozan has put himself into serious MVP consideration.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Why DeMar DeRozan is an MVP candidate

1. Impact on team has been admirable

Similar to the rapid rise in victories for the Phoenix Suns after they acquired Chris Paul, DeMar DeRozan's presence has helped catapult the Bulls to currently hold the first seed in the East. Chicago did not even reach the play-in tournament last season. The effect of DeRozan as a tremendous scorer and willing playmaker has been fantastic for this team.

NBA fans are widely aware of the scoring prowess of DeRozan, but his approach in adjusting to play with another remarkable scorer in LaVine has been commendable. Even just in their first year together, the chemistry and selflessness between the two individuals has been excellent. LaVine has proven to be terrific in clutch time as well, as he is currently tied for fourth in clutch scoring at 59 points, but DeRozan has been even better at second place with 67 points.

Having two reliable scorers in end-game scenarios is what could be a huge difference maker in a seven-game playoff series.

2. Influencing his teammates to excel in their role

As a leader for a franchise that has championship aspirations, one must prove that he can galvanize his teammates all throughout the season and put them in position to succeed every game. The legendary greats like Michael Jordan and LeBron James had role players who would flourish in their own roles to complement the stars.

The crucial moves of Chicago in the offseason did not only involve DeMar DeRozan but also the additions of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. They're out of the lineup right now, but these two guards have been very pesky and disruptive every night they take the floor. Ball and Caruso are arguably in the midst of their best years in their young career, and it is not a coincidence that they have been phenomenal in a winning environment. These two athletes are the perfect indicator that prominent leaders are integral for the success of any team.

3. Narrative is inspiring

It cannot be argued that media personnel often incorporate narrative into MVP voting. Michael Jordan or LeBron James could have won more MVPs in their career, but their other colleagues won because of voter fatigue or just simply the narrative. Nikola Jokic was the MVP last year, but it looks unlikely for him to win again because his numbers are similar for a franchise decimated by injuries and not winning enough games.

DeMar DeRozan has narrative going his way after all of the criticism lobbed at him and the Bulls for the big sign-and-trade. Instead of DeRozan flopping in Chicago, he has been one of the best players in the NBA and one of the most clutch players while meshing with LaVine. Turning around a Bulls team that has been bad for years is a big plus for DeRozan's MVP case.

The huge challenge for Chicago is the target is now on its back in the second half of their campaign. Many still view the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets as the favorites in the Eastern Conference, but the Bulls are making their presence felt and will need to prove they can keep up this strong play. If they do keep it up and DeRozan continues playing like this, he'll be in the MVP conversation.