2. Get DeMar DeRozan back to the All-Star Game
As much of a seesaw 2022 was, hopefully, 2023 can begin to remedy that with a 6th total and 2nd consecutive All-Star appearance for DeMar DeRozan. He was a starter in last year’s All-Star game after leading Chicago to a second-place position in the Eastern Conference by the All-Star break along with his usual heavy scoring output.
Considering the Bulls possess a less-than-ideal record, it will be surprising to see DeRozan start again with how good guards have been on winning teams this year. Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and Kyrie Irving are each enjoying spectacular seasons and should be in contention for the starting slots.
Nevertheless, with DeRozan being the fourth-leading scorer in the conference and the respect he has around the league, it is more than likely he will be an All-Star, just as a reserve this time.
Ironically, he has improved on his performance from last year in many ways en route to posting extremely impressive averages of 26.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His field goal and free throw splits have seen an improvement this season, and increases in advanced stats such as defensive box plus/minus indicate he’s also providing much more effort on the defensive end as well.
Even if the addition of Irving and Mitchell to the East this year will make this task significantly more difficult, we can still do our best to vote DeMar into the All-Star game this year by clicking the NBA’s official All-Star vote here!
DeMar DeRozan is an All-Star.
— All Things Chicago Sports (@things_sox) January 3, 2023