DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine land in top-40 of ESPN's NBA player rankings

The Bulls' dynamic duo remain amongst the NBA’s elite.

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ESPN's annual player rankings are out, and the Chicago Bulls perimeter punch of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine reached the top 40. DeRozan was listed at no. 39, while LaVine was one spot higher at no. 38.

The two players, though, were ranked higher last season, with Deebo landing at no. 28 and Zach at no. 27.  The Bulls' lackluster showing during the 2022-2023 season clearly impacted their rankings, but both players are determined to prove their worth this upcoming season.

What does the future hold for DeMar?

ESPN's Jamal Collier remarked that it would have been difficult for Deebo to follow up his spectacular first season in Chicago with another strong performance. However, DeMar did just that, getting named an All-Star for a second straight season. It remains to be seen what the future holds for DeRozan, who is set to play the final year of his three-year pact with the Bulls.

"One huge question for his season: DeRozan is entering the final season of his contract with the Bulls, although both he and the team have expressed interest in an extension. However, if the Bulls do not have more success this season after missing the playoffs in 2022-23, will DeRozan's tenure in Chicago continue?" Collier wrote.

Looking for redemption

LaVine fell 11 spots in the player rankings because of his sluggish start last season. However, he found his rhythm after the All-Star break, when he averaged 27 points, five boards, and four assists—pivotal numbers in helping push the Bulls to the Play-in Tournament. He struggled in the last Play-in game against the Miami Heat, which is why the Bulls' match versus the Heat on November 18 will hold some significance.

"It's the first chance the Bulls have to face the Heat after losing in the second play-in game. The Heat claimed the No. 8 seed as a result and went on to upset the top-seeded Bucks en route to the NBA Finals. Despite an excellent showing in the 9-10 play-in game win over Toronto, LaVine struggled against Miami," Collier said.