"Ready to put that Chicago Bulls jersey back on" - DeMar DeRozan is raring to get back on the floor for the Bulls

It's now back to business for Deebo.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, done with Team Giannis coming away with a 184-175 win over Team LeBron, six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan can't wait to get back to the business of leading the Chicago Bulls back to the NBA Playoffs.

"Now I can't wait to get back to my team full-strength, being healthy, ready to put that Chicago Bulls jersey back on," said DeRozan.

Back on the floor

After missing the Bulls' last two games before the All-Star break because of a grade 1 thigh strain, the Compton native was back on the floor for the All-Star Game—the sixth of his career. The veteran wingman tallied a complete stat line of 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 16 minutes of action.

"The game was amazing. It's always an honor to be able to be part of All-Star Weekend. Go out there, have fun, especially not being on the court lately," said DeRozan.

In typical Deebo fashion, he scored on three midrange jumpers from the right side of the floor and on a layup. He also found Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday for some open three-pointers.

Work to be done

After his brief dalliance with the NBA's brightest and biggest stars, DeRozan will now return to a Bulls squad that is struggling to stay within striking distance of the playoff race. Although DeRozan has only missed a couple of games, the Bulls have lost six in a row and tote a 26-33 record, a full two games behind the Toronto Raptors—owners of the 10th seed and the final spot in the play-in tournament.

✌️ from Salt Lake City. pic.twitter.com/3RXBJWYQXc

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 20, 2023

The Bulls will have to make up some ground in their final 23 games of the regular season. But if DeMar DeRozan's thigh can keep it together and he can play with a renewed vigor, the Bulls just might have a puncher's chance of sneaking into the NBA Playoffs.