To say that Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls have exceeded every expectation out there is an understatement. With an improved roster that compliments each other's strengths, the guys from Windy City are tearing through the league this early in the season. But the action isn't just contained in the court. It has spilled to their NBA cards as well.

We take a look below at how well LaVine and company are playing and how their recent performances have positively affected their respective NBA card values.

Reasons why the Chicago Bulls' stars and their NBA cards are rising in the market

There's no doubt that LaVine has truly evolved into a potent weapon on the offensive end of the court, similar to the impact Devin Booker and Kobe Bryant provide their respective squads. Unfortunately, Chicago never had a clear idea on how to build around him during the past seasons. But as fate would have it, this season looks like the winds are changing in the Windy City. This time, though, it's looking good for LaVine and the Bulls.

In the span of 15 games, the Bulls have turned the narrative around from a team struggling to make the playoffs to potential contenders in the East. Although their current 10-5 record tells one thing, the way they won those contests and who they defeated is more important. In the past month or so, Chicago has obtained decisive wins over the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. Making all of those victories possible is a lineup that boasts LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, and Alex Caruso.

With so many offensive options, LaVine thriving with a player like DeRozan is among the keys to the Bulls' early-season success with players averaging 26 points per game. The latter is connecting 35% from downtown while making 52% from within the field. LaVine, on the other hand, plays with 49/40/87 shooting splits, which is as efficient as it can get in the NBA.

While they're notching less than 15 points per game, both Ball and Vucevic are providing value in other aspects of the game. The former's playmaking skills, defensive prowess, and an improved three-pointer have helped the Bulls elevate their game. Vucevic, on the other hand, has also taken his defense up a notch while controlling the boards with 10.9 per game.

Completing the Bulls' formula is former Laker Caruso. His ability to lock up the opposing squad's best player, along with a knack for deflections and a dash of playmaking, ensures LaVine and DeRozan can focus on what they do best – score. With him and Ball on the court, Chicago won't lose sleep over their defense, as it was during the past seasons.

Taking all of these factors together and the Bulls have come up with a lineup strong enough to challenge the East's top-tier teams. And while the postseason is still months away, the race to bag a decent playoff spot is starting to heat up. Fortunately, it looks like Windy City has what it takes to rise up to the occasion, and in the NBA card market as well.

The verdict on the Bulls' NBA cards

Of the five guys mentioned above, the hottest in the card market is obviously LaVine. Although his PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card fell from $3,500 last month to $2,325 on eBay right now, his stock is still doing well among collectors. Next to him is DeRozan's PSA 10 Topps Chrome rookie card with a value of $1,400.

Zach LaVine Bulls NBA Rookie Cards

Those who have a limited budget can choose to hunt for Ball and Vucevic's stock. The former's PSA 10 Prizm Silver currently goes for $495 while the big man's gem-mint base rookie card is more attainable at a price of $65. Caruso, meanwhile, doesn't have a true rookie card. What hobbyists can readily hunt for is his autographed offerings, such as his PSA 10 2019 Mosaic Scripts, which is valued at $225.

As of the moment, the hype surrounding these guys and their NBA cards is on the rise. Collectors would do well to always buy low on their stock when the opportunity arises. Barring any serious injury or season-ending incident, these Bulls are on a mission to prove themselves, both in the coming postseason and in the hobby.