The Chicago Bulls have thrived this season thanks to the addition of DeMar DeRozan. His stellar performance has led a revamped roster to the top of the Eastern Conference and earned him a spot in the NBA history books. The 32-year-old still has been invaluable to the Bulls, who boast a 38-21 record heading into the midseason break.

DeRozan is more than just a great player. He is also a great leader. Chicago head coach Billy Donovan told Mirin Fader of The Ringer that DeRozan's insane effort against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers was about more than just the win against one of the conference's heavyweights. He wanted to get Donovan the chance to be an All-Star coach, an honor given to the team with the top record in their respective conference.

In a recent loss to the 76ers, DeRozan gave everything he had, finishing with 45 points. The Bulls star walked over to Donovan in the closing moments, putting his arm around him. “Coach,” DeRozan said, “I just want to let you know I really, really tried hard tonight to get you to be the All-Star coach.” DeRozan had played out of his mind—and his attention was on Donovan? “It touched my heart beyond belief,” Donovan says. “The genuineness, the sincerity, the honesty. And just who he is as a human being.”

DeRozan's mentality of making sure everyone eats perfectly encapsulates why he is such a great leader. Being so dedicated, talented and personable makes him so reliable on and off the court. Although he still has to shed the narrative of being a choker in the playoffs, this season has been the best of his stellar career.