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DeMar DeRozan has drummed out a ton of excitement in Chicago of late. The Bulls star is on an unprecedented run, which you can't say lightly for someone playing for the same franchise as Michael Jordan.
But DeRozan has done exactly that as he's gone on a legendary streak that eclipsed the previous marks of both Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. He's been the perfect combination of efficiency and productivity and that's propelled him to dark horse MVP contender status.
DeMar DeRozan has broken Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive games with 35+ points on 50% or better shooting. pic.twitter.com/bmHRUg5tf2
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 17, 2022
That's why Kendrick Perkins was vocal on giving DeMar DeRozan a “slight edge” atop his MVP rankings.
Via NBC Sports Chicago:
Article Continues Below“I haven't seen a guy get buckets like this, at an efficient level, from the mid-range area, since Michael Jordan,” said Perkins on what DeRozan is doing in Chicago.
DeMar DeRozan has zagged on the entire league. He's doubled down on his midrange-centered attack and has turned what's been widely considered a low-efficiency shot into what feels like an automatic bucket he can get anytime he wants.
“The Chicago Bulls I believe are on a six-game winning streak, (DeRozan) has doing this with an injured Zach LaVine, no Lonzo Ball, no Alex Caruso, he has been balling,” Perkins said.
DeMar DeRozan is playing the best basketball of his career in his age-32 season, the same point where most players begin their decline. But given how much of DeMar DeRozan's game is based on basketball IQ, repetition, and footwork rather than explosive athleticism, it makes sense that he's managed to stay at this level.
Given the superstar seasons from other MVP candidates like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic and Gianni Antetokounmpo, it's hard to put DeMar DeRozan ahead of all of them. But the Bulls star has made his voice heard loud and clear in the conversation, and he's not done making noise just yet.
