Bulls' DeRozan on pace for historic fourth quarter efficiency
Even though he's stuck it to the Lakers a couple of times, it doesn't seem right to call this the DeMar DeRozan Revenge Tour. He's just not angry about anything.
It's not a Redemption Tour, either. Nothing really happened to diminish his career.
But if is safe to say DeRozan has exceeded all expectations in his first two months with the Bulls.
The feeling expressed here after the sign-and-trade deal this summer was DeRozan would be the veteran mentor Zach LaVine has sorely lacked in his NBA career. Others were less optimistic about how DeRozan would fare with the Bulls.
The team acknowledged the critics during a Christmas Eve Instagram post. It was a shot of Santa Claus checking the naughty list, which included: "Anyone who thought DeMar DeRozan was the worst signing of the offseason."
DeRozan has not only been the best fourth-quarter scorer in the NBA this season, he's approaching historic levels. He's averaged 8 points - best in the league - a .542 field-goal percentage and .912 free-throw percentage.
No player in the last 25 full seasons has averaged 8 points, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 90 percent at the foul line during the fourth quarter, according to ESPN Stats.
DeRozan got off his couch after two weeks in health and safety protocols to score 19 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter of a win against the Lakers last week. That performance prompted extra praise from LaVine.
"That was one of the most impressive things I've seen, because I remember coming off COVID last year and it took me a couple games to really get into it," LaVine said. "I know he had a couple practices. But he was having a solid game and then the fourth quarter just went bonkers."
Besides the calm demeanor, the veteran experience, DeRozan also brings a player who has earned respect of the referees over the years and knows how to get to the foul line. DeRozan ranked fourth in the league in free-throw attempts, with 7.7 per game. The category has certainly frustrated LaVine and Derrick Rose before him.
Getting to the foul line in the fourth quarter has played a key role in the Bulls' 19-10 record. DeRozan has spoken a few times about trying to clear his mind at the end of close games and stay completely focused in the moment.
"I love it," DeRozan said. "Just growing up as a kid, having that imagination, trying to re-create your favorite players moments. For me it's big. It's an honor to be trusted in those moments. I never take it for granted.
"It's an adrenaline rush that you can't duplicate, so you try to make the most of it every time you're put in that position. I love it, there's nothing like it. It's fun. You've got to take the good with the bad and I'm willing to take both."
DeRozan's move to Chicago does seem to be about reminding NBA fans how good he can be. His points, field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage rank either first or second in his 13-year career.
Team success will probably determine whether or not DeRozan is a serious candidate for MVP. At this point, it seems reasonable to think DeRozan ranks third behind Steph Curry and Kevin Durant.
"He's incredible, man," LaVine added. "I've got high standards for myself, but there's certain things you've just got to tip your hat to. I called him after (the Lakers game), I was like, 'Man, that was incredible.' That's who he is."
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Fourth quarter fillers
<b>NBA leading 4th quarter scorers (through Dec. 24)</b>Player, team Avg FG pct.
1. DeMar DeRozan, Bulls 8.0 .542
2. G. Antetokounmpo, Mil 7.3 .541
3. Kevin Durant, Bkn 7.0 .476
4. Cole Anthony, Orl 7.0 .534
5. Jayson Tatum, Bos 6.7 .414
6. LeBron James, LAL 6.5 .429
7. Zach LaVine, Bulls 6.5 .491
Source: nba.com