Throughout a rollercoaster season for the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan emerged as a reliable cornerstone for the team amidst challenges posed by injuries to Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball.
DeRozan, at 34 years old, shouldered the responsibility admirably, logging an impressive 2,984 minutes of play this season, the highest in the NBA for the 2023–24 season. This remarkable feat stands as the most minutes played by any player in a single season during this decade.
In the course of 79 games, DeRozan maintained an average of 37.8 minutes per game during the 2023–24 season, slightly below his career-best of 38.2 minutes per game during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors in 2013–14.
In the play-in tournament, DeMar DeRozan will lead the Bulls against the Hawks
Amidst the season’s challenges, DeRozan displayed his prowess on the court, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, earning him recognition for his stellar performance.
Despite narrowly missing out on his eighth All-Star game, a testament to the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference, DeRozan remained a consistent force for the Bulls.
Looking ahead, the Chicago Bulls are poised for a play-in tournament following their ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. On April 17, they will face the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center, with the winner progressing to vie for the final playoff spot against the victor of the Miami Heat versus Philadelphia 76ers matchup.
DeMar DeRozan’s leadership and dedication serve as an inspiration to athletes across all levels. His unwavering commitment, coupled with his exceptional performance, has been instrumental in guiding the Bulls through adversity this season.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams, DeRozan’s tenacity and versatility have been pivotal in Chicago’s resilience and success.
