The Chicago Bulls got to see the All-Star voting roll in heading into the weekend with the updated counts for each conference and position group.
What does this mean?
A feather in their cap? Two peas in a pod? The Big 2? The Dynamic Duo? Two of the top three guard selections in the NBA All-Star Game voting? Let’s think about this for a minute. Does it get any better than this?
These two young men have done it again. They have made history, shocked the world, and have done the unexpected. The best part about this is that they’ve done all of this together; united as one and joined at the hip.
I’ve always wondered, does the upper case M, R, and V in their two names give them a little assistance? Well, it’s very true that these two young men have those upper case letters in their names for a reason. They are definitely upper, above, and beyond the call of duty in terms of their scoring capabilities, playing talent, and flat-out knack to come out on top in games.
This outrageously, amazing, and spectacular backcourt wing prominence we have going on in Chicagoland has turned into something seriously special, and that is nothing less than a fact. Mr. DeMar DeRozan and Mr. Zach LaVine are the No. 1 and No. 3 guard picks for the NBA All-Star East game that will be played in February.
Where has all this dominance come from? What’s fueled these two young men to be two of the top guards in the league? Well, let’s start with the basics and discuss their unbelievable stat line this season.
DeRozan has come out of nowhere. Yes, this fella was a big name before he entered the Bulls lineup, but has elevated his game to a whole new level this season. He never seems to fool us, let us down, or disappoint us; ever. If anything, he’s done the complete opposite.
His last-second, game-winning shot heroics have made him a hero this season for the Bulls; as this has happened a couple of times so far throughout the season. DeRozan is averaging 25.7 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. He’s doing it all and is doing it with flavor. He’s proving to the NBA world that he isn’t just a scorer and that he can produce in other ways. He has that high IQ and savvy to deliver dimes and rack up the boards.
LaVine has taken some relaxing, calm, and deep breaths this season; as he has gotten some help igniting the scoring prowess from DeRozan. However, he still is a fan favorite, one of the top players in the league, and has turned this Bulls team around into a playoff contender in a very short time.
The Bulls would not be number one in the East without LaVine. LaVine is averaging 24.9 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Like DeRozan, LaVine has the ability to mix up his versatility and show he can latch-up dimes and rebounds. LaVine’s explosive ability to get to the rim and finish the drives makes him an electric threat.
Chicago Bulls have their star duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan among the leading vote-getters in the Eastern Conference
These two guys complement each other extremely well, no doubt about it. They’re a guard duo when you look at both of them and watch both of them play, and you say, “Who’s better?” Or, “Who’s more talented?” The answer is very tricky and complicated. In my opinion, the answer is neither. I believe they both have very similar skill sets and talent levels. Their athleticism is identical as well.
They both play the same way, bring the same style, and have the same swag and confidence. Another thing they both share is their hunger, grit, and determination to win an NBA Championship.
Their stat sheet speaks for itself. This perimeter duo is like nothing we’ve ever seen in the Bulls organization, and head coach Billy Donovan has to be one proud man. For these two guys to be chosen in the top three selections for the NBA All-Star voting is quite the honor.
In conclusion, the Bulls are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference. They have a record of 28-15. They have come out this season with class and have shined to be the greatest stars. A lot of new guys step up each game, and you’ll see different players getting in double figures each night. I’m really loving the productivity out of the Bulls bench.
Our supporting cast has some talent, and you never know who is going to give us those well-deserved minutes. The Bulls played a marvelous game Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the game 117-104.
They play the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, January 21 in Milwaukee. They then take on the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 23 in Orlando. To start off next week, they play the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, Jan. 24 in Oklahoma City. They then return home for a game against the Toronto Raptors Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the United Center.
They will then turn around and travel to San Antonio to play the Spurs Friday, Jan. 28. To end off the week, they come back for a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers Sunday, Jan. 30 in the United Center. Check out the Bulls this next week on T.V. or come catch a game live in action!
All Star-Game guard voting:
1. DeMar DeRozan–4,121,034
3. Zach LaVine–1,988,452