© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar DeRozan barely cracks the Top 15 on the NBA’s latest KIA MVP ladder
After a career year with the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan is off to a great start this season. And while he's already in the conversation for the illustrious NBA MVP award, DeRozan barely cracked the top 15 in the NBA's latest ranking.
Latest KIA MVP ladder
DeMar is leading his team in scoring once again, as the Bulls (5-6) sit at No.6 in the Eastern Conference. However, ten guys are ranked above Chicago's star forward on the NBA's second KIA MVP ladder. DeRozan, along with Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Trae Young, sits anywhere between No.11 and No.15.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Luka Doncic
- Donovan Mitchell
- Ja Morant
- Devin Booker
- Damian Lillard
- Jayson Tatum
- Pascal Siakam
- Nikola Jokic
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Last season, DeRozan averaged a career-high 27.9 points while shooting 50.4 percent and a career-high 35.2 percent from three-point range in 36.1 minutes over 76 games. He also made several big shots throughout the season, becoming the first player in NBA history to hit game-winning buzzer-beaters on consecutive days.
This year he is averaging 25.1 points, 4.1 assists, and four rebounds while shooting 50.8 percent in 34.1 minutes over 11 games. And while his numbers haven't translated to wins as much as Giannis', Doncic's, or Mitchell's have, DeRozan has done a great job keeping the Bulls relevant in an injury-riddled start to the season.
How DeRozan can climb the ladder
The NBA MVP award is based on two significant factors, individual performance and how a player helps his team win. So far, DeRozan checks both boxes, and the Bulls would not have five wins this season if it weren't for him.
If they can stay healthy, do not be surprised if DeRozan makes a case to win the award at the end of the season. With Zach LaVine finally getting healthy and the eventual return of Lonzo Ball, the Bulls can be right in the mix for a high spot in the Eastern Conference with DeRozan as their number one option.
The 33-year-old forward doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon; he found his home in Chicago, and it shows in every game he plays.
