DeMar DeRozan didn't actually discover the sought-out, hard-to-find fountain of youth, but it sure seems like he did. A vintage resurgence from the veteran swingman has led the new-look Chicago Bulls to a first-place lead in the East standings, and the team is resembling an NBA Finals frontrunner.
Prior to DeRozan's arrival in Chicago, it had been four years since the team's last playoff appearance. A long drought, considering the Bulls' championship legacy and history. Pouring additional salt in fans' wounds, they've witnessed the Milwaukee Bucks take control of the Central division and hoist a coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy.
From the moment DeRozan touched down in Chicago, he's raised the bar of expectations, performing at a remarkably high level that's comparable to the beginning of his career. His mark of 25.7 points per game ranks second-best, as he dropped 27.3 on average during the 2016-17 campaign with the Toronto Raptors. The most impressive statistic is DeRozan's three-point percentage, which sits at a career-high 35-percent through 38 games. Known more as a pull-up jump shooter during his time with the Raptors and San Antonio Spurs, he's developed a knack for long-range shooting with Chicago.
While with the Raptors and Spurs, DeRozan was paired with fellow superstars. But in Chicago, he's embraced the star role and spotlight, which have allowed him to take his game up a notch. The pressure of playing as a bona fide leader has forced him to emerge as the Bulls' go-to option on the court.
What mustn't be understated is DeRozan's ability to foster a winning culture with teammates of all ages and personalities. Lonzo Ball, who struggled to find an identity with the Los Angeles Lakers, has carved out a nice role with Chicago and developed into a locker room leader. Nikola Vucevic has looked like a dependable board-crashing machine, while youngsters Cody White and Ayo Dosunmu look like nice complementary pieces.
Every player on this Bulls roster understands their role, and how they can use a selfless mentality to will their way to wins on a nightly basis. Also give credit to head coach Billy Donovan, the captain of the Windy City's hardwood ship. He's proven to be an exceptional communicator and motivator at both levels, having won two national titles at Florida and led a talent-deprived Oklahoma City Thunder roster to the West playoffs in each of his five years at the helm. This may be Donovan's best stop yet, as the overall organizational support and potential for success with a win-now roster gives them the highest chance of both short- and long-term success.
And while the conference's competition is aplenty, this team has the stamina and mental toughness to take down anyone. Perhaps the Brooklyn Nets are a sexier choice to represent the East in the Finals, and rationally speaking, it's hard to pick against a Bucks team that ripped off six straight in late December. But Chicago has the endurance, stamina, and talent to take down either team.
The Bulls' current roster doesn't have the same flash or swagger as the brash bullies -- Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman -- which made opponents fear their next trip to the United Center. Yet, somehow, someway, the 2021-22 team is finding ways to play together and win in a strikingly similar fashion.
The combination of a high-octane offense, physicality on both ends of the floor, and selflessness allows different guys to shine on a nightly basis, and it's been the perfect recipe for success. So far, it explains their massive overachievement. Call it the fountain of youth, or jumping into the 'Hot Tub Time Machine' and discovering a retro look. This Bulls team is playing like a well-oiled machine, and they're not positioned to dominate the NBA without leadership and stellar performances from DeRozan.