Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić and Chicago Bulls guard-forward DeMar DeRozan have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 20 of the 2023-24 season (March 4-10).
Both Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls have had a tough season because their respective teams have been struggling. Yet these two players have been playing sensational basketball, and are now being rewarded for it.
On Monday, the league announced that Doncic and DeRozan have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week for Week 20 of the 2023-24 season, which featured March 4 through 10.
During that time, Doncic averaged 37.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, while DeRozan put up 29.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Although both players produced great numbers during that time, and have been all season, their place in the upcoming playoffs isn't guaranteed. Right now, the Mavericks are the eighth seed in the West with a 36-28 record, while the Bulls are ninth in the East, holding a 31-33 record.
That means that if the Play-In Tournament started today, both Doncic and DeRozan would have to lead their team through some tough competition if they wished to make the playoffs.
Doncic's name has been tossed around as a possible MVP candidate all season long, especially recently as he has acquired multiple triple-doubles in a row. As for DeRozan, he has been talked about as a player who could possibly be saying goodbye to his current team in the summer, especially if they don't do better shortly and make the postseason.
They are two of the best players in the league and on Monday after, the NBA recognized both Doncic and DeRozan as such.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Dončić and Chicago Bulls guard-forward DeMar DeRozan have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 20 of the 2023-24 season (March 4-10).