For 15 seasons, DeRozan’s been as sturdy as they arrive. He’s appeared in 1,110 of 1,193 regular-season video games, an eye-popping 93 p.c of his staff’s contests. Since he joined the Bulls within the 2021 offseason, DeRozan has missed solely 17 of a potential 246 video games. Even after a bodily grueling, time beyond regulation battle in opposition to the Knicks to shut the common season, DeRozan couldn’t give you a single criticism about his minutes rely. If he had his approach, he’d play extra. “I adore it. I need to play,” DeRozan mentioned. “I inform Billy on a regular basis, ‘Don’t take me out. I need to play.’ I need to be on the market with the fellows. I need to really feel that problem. Particularly if you notice I’m not going to play for an additional 15 years, one other 10 years. So whereas I’m right here, I’m going to present it every part I’ve received. I don’t need to shortchange anyone: myself, my teammates, individuals who come to see me. “I simply need to be on the market and play as a lot as I can. And I’m going to handle myself as finest as I can so I can try this.” -via The Athletic / April 14, 2024
