The season didn’t end the way that the Chicago Bulls had hoped.
There was a time when they were one of the best teams in the entire NBA and were looking like eventual Eastern Conference champions.
But a slew of misfortune fell upon the team a few months ago by way of injuries, tough competition, and some severe sloppiness on behalf of the Bulls.
However, accolades should be given to some of the standout players on the team who rode it out through thick and thin.
In speaking about Bulls' injury misfortune this season, Billy Donovan credited DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic for their availability. Said that's not talked about enough
DeRozan appeared in 76 games and ranked 3rd in NBA in total minutes. Vucevic appeared in 73 games
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) April 29, 2022
Head coach Billy Donovan had a lot of praise for two players in particular.
He credited DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic for their availability and commitment to the team.
DeRozan appeared in 76 games for the team and was ranked third in the NBA for total minutes.
Vucevic meanwhile played for 73 games this season.
Together, these two were unsurprisingly two of the biggest parts of the team’s success.
Shining Veterans
DeRozan was on fire for much of the season, securing 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.
There was talk of him being in the running for MVP for a few months and he was showing serious proof that he has progressed and grown as a player and team leader.
Vucevic also did wonderful work for the Bulls this year, with an average of 17.6 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.2 assists a game.
These two held the team together through good times and bad – especially when injuries started to impair the Bulls’ chances.
If it weren’t for the mishaps that sidelined so many players, the Bulls could have been in a completely different – and better – situation right now.
As it stands, they are now out of playoff contention and are focusing on what will come next year.
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