3 former Toronto Raptors who are playing well in 2022-23

1. DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls

DeRozan was regarded by some short-sighted predictors as a poor free agent signing when the Bulls gave him that big multi-year contract, but Raptors fans knew that he still had plenty of scoring juice left in the tank after leaving the rebuilding Spurs. An All-Star last year, DeRozan has been one of the few bright spots on this roster.

DeRozan is averaging 25.4 points per game on 52% shooting. While these numbers may not be a huge change from what he’s done before with the Bulls, he’s been a terrific scorer and leader on a team that has lost many of their big names to injury. He and Zach LaVine are putting the team on their backs.

The former Raptors star, who will eventually have his No. 10 retired, is perhaps the main reason that the Bulls haven’t fallen into the Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson race. If they want to make a playoff run, having someone with all of the battle scares that DeMar has can only be a benefit.

While the Raptors had no choice but to get rid of DeRozan to acquire Kawhi Leonard, this appears to have been a solid move for both parties. The Raptors got their ring, while DeRozan has prolonged his career to the point where he’s still an All-Star hopeful at 33 years old.

DeMar has a better-than-average shot of being an All-Star for the sixth time.