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NBA Player Power Rankings: Russell Westbrook Pushing for MVP

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) gestures from the court during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes to take a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Atlanta 105-97 for their franchise record 50th win in a season. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) goes to take a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Atlanta 105-97 for their franchise record 50th win in a season. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

19. DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Last Rank: No. 19

Position: Shooting Guard

Slash Line: .447/.341/.846

Season Averages: 36.2 MPG, 23.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The Toronto Raptors are close to completing the greatest regular season in franchise history. Kyle Lowry deservedly receives significant credit, but this wouldn’t be possible without DeMar DeRozan’s immense improvements.

DeRozan has become a more complete and dependable player, and the Raptors have won 50 games for the first time in franchise history because of it.

DeRozan recorded 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 9-of-11 shooting during a 115-91 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He then erupted for 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals on a mark of 9-of-16 from the field during Toronto’s 50th victory.

There are still periods of inconsistency in DeRozan’s game, but he’s No. 9 in the NBA in scoring, and is No. 14 in Win Shares.

DeRozan has made the necessary tweaks to his game, and is playing a style that is far more conducive to team success. He’s picking his spots from beyond the arc, not settling for as many contested midrange jump shots, and is No. 1 in the NBA in points via drives per game.

DeRozan is finally playing at the level many have been longing to see him play at.

Next: The Value of Versatility