© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar DeRozan is confident the Chicago Bulls can compete with any team despite the front office's reluctance to make moves
The Miami Heat recently became the latest Eastern Conference squad to add another weapon to their arsenal, acquiring high-scoring guard Terry Rozier in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, further solidifying the team's status as one of the top contenders in the conference.
Meanwhile, crickets remain heard from the Chicago Bulls front office as they have yet to make significant moves this season. But despite the lack of activity from management, Bulls star DeMar DeRozan remains optimistic about his team's chances.
In a recent interview with reporters on Wednesday, DeRozan expressed confidence in the current roster and their ability to compete with any team in the league.
Bulls can beat anybody
If there ever was a silver lining from the Bulls’ painful 115-113 defeat to the Phoenix Suns last Monday, it was they could compete against the NBA’s best despite not having All-Star guard Zach LaVine.
In that game, Chicago went up by as many as 23 points before Suns superstar Kevin Durant took over and led a comeback that ultimately sealed the win for Phoenix. But even in defeat, DeRozan saw it as a sign of progress and proof that the Bulls can hold their own against any team.
“Man, we can beat anybody. We can compete with anybody,” DeRozan said.
“Health is always a major thing for us. As long as we get closer to being healthy and staying healthy, we can beat anybody. I don’t worry about playing against or going against anybody in this league. My confidence is at an all-time high.”
Undaunted
Bulls guard Alex Caruso noted that with the trade deadline looming, they must expect other teams to make moves and improve their rosters.
“Yeah, it’s just that time of year,” Caruso shared.
“It started with James (Harden trade) in November, and then slowly, deals have gotten done. It’s just another one for the Heat. I saw a couple of their games recently where the box score was like 80-some points, 90-some points … I think Terry for them adds another scoring element to a team that needs some of that.”
But he believes that the Bulls' current roster can compete at a high level.
“But as far as we go, I think when we put it on paper like we showed (against Phoenix on Monday), when we’re locked in, and we’re good, we’re a really good team … if there is a move, we’ll be ready for it. If not, put our heads down and go to work.”
