In the age of load balancing, an old-school player is playing the second-most minutes in their career.
The NBA is beginning to gradually move away from load management as major postseason award eligibility is now subject to 65-game minimums and there is less minute monitoring.
DeMar DeRozan has been waiting the entire time on the other end.
After playing for more than 48 minutes in the Chicago Bulls’ double overtime triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, DeRozan declared, “I love it.” “I adore this game. You play like a child until your mother yells at you and the streetlights turn on. The same is true here. You adore it. You make an effort to savor these chances.
DeMar DeRozan has been waiting the entire time on the other end.
After playing for more than 48 minutes in the Chicago Bulls’ double overtime triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, DeRozan declared, “I love it.” “I adore this game. You play like a child until your mother yells at you and the streetlights turn on. The same is true here. You adore it. You make an effort to savor these chances.
DeRozan has historically been a throwback, both in terms of his minutes load and favored midrange game. Even so, it’s noteworthy that a 34-year-old is leading the NBA in minutes per game (378.8) and is second overall (2,193 minutes), only five behind teammate Coby White. and unusual.
“I appreciate his background. He has a somewhat traditional mindset. Get in position and start playing. “I have done it all my life.” I adore this game. “I wish to be active as much as possible,” stated coach Billy Donovan. “There are things we need to do for him during practice and drill sessions. However, I appreciate and admire his mindset very much. I don’t consider that a given.
In fact, this is what it means when it’s stated or written that the Bulls regard DeRozan so highly within. DeRozan can be counted on every day even outside of his on-court accomplishments, which include two All-Star selections in his first two seasons and averages of 22.7 points and 5.3 assists this year.
He is as steady as a metronome in every aspect of his preparation and demeanor.
What he’s accomplished and the manner in which he’s carried it out, in every aspect—from interacting with the boys to acting like the same guy every day. Donovan stated, “I go to him and communicate with him for whatever I need from him, and he does whatever you ask him to do.” “I am grateful for the amount of work he has had to do.
It goes beyond just his workload. It’s also the position of leadership. He’s a seasoned professional who is respected by the guys. He’s eager to dedicate his time and efforts to mentoring many younger athletes. He is never one to grumble about anything. Everything seems like a challenge to him. I appreciate that, too.
DeRozan is at the heart of everything, from greeting Patrick Williams, Dalen Terry, and Coby White to his renowned offseason workouts to Onuralp Bitim getting emotional about what DeRozan’s NBA game breakthrough accolades meant to him. Due of this, the Bulls have stated that they intend to re-sign DeRozan this offseason, possibly prior to his July 1 entry into unrestricted free agency.
Despite having less of an impact than in his brilliant first two seasons in Chicago, DeRozan has quietly attempted 2.8 3-pointers, which is the second-most in his 14-year career. From that distance, his 33.5 percentile is his third-best score.
Prior to his foot surgical demise, DeRozan also attempted at first to assign Zach LaVine some of his late-game duties. He’s now attempted to assist White in the same way.
Prior to his foot surgical demise, DeRozan also attempted at first to assign Zach LaVine some of his late-game duties. He’s now attempted to assist White in the same way.
The photo of White and DeRozan, both wearing their uniforms, blocking White’s 3-point attempt to seal the Bulls’ late defeat in Cleveland on February 14 will always be remembered.
DeRozan also tried at early to delegate part of his late-game responsibilities to Zach LaVine before his foot surgery disaster. Now he’s tried to help White in the same manner.
We will never forget the image of White and DeRozan, both in their uniforms, stopping White’s 3-point attempt to cap off the Bulls’ late loss in Cleveland on February 14.