NBA News: Hoop Pundits Feel DeRozan Could Be Bulls' Saving Grace After Jordan Era

There is no question that the Chicago Bulls are charging, but most question how far they can go.

Some feel they can go deep into the NBA playoffs, but so far none have dared considered them to at least reach the NBA Finals.

A prime reason for their success is DeMar DeRozan.

Acquired in the offseason after being passed up by the Los Angeles Lakers, the four-time All-Star has been having a splendid season.

By the looks of it, ending up in Chicago has become a blessing in disguise for him.

Renowned book author Roland Lazenby was asked if passing up DeRozan was a big mistake by the Lakers when he appeared on the Sports Bytes PH year-ender podcast.

“It would have been fascinating to see him (DeRozan) on a roster with LeBron [James]. But that’s not the story. Because LeBron is the great talent that clouds out all other talents in a lot of ways. DeMar DeRozan is in Chicago,” Lazenby stated.

Furthermore, the 69-year-old journalist shared that the Bulls have finally found someone who can pull them out of a hole they placed themselves in since the end of the Michael Jordan era.

“Chicago badly abused the basketball gods at the end of Jordan’s career and have suffered. They have suffered so long. DeMar DeRozan has traveled a difficult road. But now he is in a place, the spotlight is on him. He has these teammates that are just what he needs. He is playing incredibly well and there is nobody blocking the view of that,” Lazenby explained.

Another personality who has been impressed with the Bulls’ campaign is former player Matt Barnes.

Barnes, who was part of the 2017 NBA champion team of the Golden State Warriors, appeared on ESPN’s NBA today (via NBC Chicago) and stressed that the ceiling for the surging Bulls is winning the 2022 NBA Finals.

"This is a very talented team and they are still getting better," Barnes said.

DeRozan has undoubtedly blossomed into a star of his own, blending well with Zach Lavine and Lonzo Ball among others.

In the eyes of Barnes, he is convinced that Chicago has the tools to give tipped teams a run for their money.

"It's not to disrespect Miami, Brooklyn, the Bucks--this (Chicago) team is right in the mix with them," Barnes stated.

The Bulls now find themselves atop the Eastern Conference with a 25-10 win-loss card, overtaking the erstwhile leader Brooklyn Nets.

In 32 games so far, DeRozan is averaging 26.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35.3 minutes of action.

Together with LaVine, both are proving to be an effective duo that has made the Bulls an exciting team to watch.