What happened to DeMar DeRozan's midrange game?

Analyzing the decline of one of the greatest midrange shooters of his generation.

© John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls have been riddled with problems ever since star point guard Lonzo Ball went down with a knee injury in January 2022 and hasn’t been back on the floor since. However, through it all, one thing the team never had to worry about was 

DeMar DeRozan’s mastery of the midrange game. It felt like one of life’s certainties death, taxes, and DeRozan easily swishing a midrange jumper. This season though, has been different, as the veteran wingman has had trouble knocking down shots from the midrange. So, what gives?

Struggling with his stroke

Through 11 games, Deebo’s numbers have been down. He’s scoring less (21.2 points per game) and making shots at a less-than-efficient rate—he’s only making 43 percent of his shots, which is the lowest mark since he shot 41 percent during the 2014-2015 season. 

While fans have gotten used to DeRozan getting to his sweet spots, rising up, and knocking down jumpers, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he’s struggling with his stroke.

“DeRozan is hitting his mid-rangers at a clip that ranks in the 19th percentile at his position. For context, he's ranked in the 80th percentile or higher in six of the last seven seasons,” Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report wrote.

Problems compounding for the Bulls

DeRozan’s difficulties are just one of many Chicago is facing right now. The team has gotten off to a 4-8 start, Zach LaVine appears to be on the trading block, while Patrick Williams is playing nowhere near the potential the franchise had hoped he would realize by now.

“But DeRozan's self-generated scoring has always been a stabilizing force for the Bulls, and they simply don't have it right now. Maybe it's age, maybe it's the players around him failing to provide space, and maybe it's just bad luck,” Hughes added.

DeMar DeRozan wants to see where the team goes before committing to a new contract with Chicago, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/CXRbIcKttW

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2023

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