DeMar DeRozan shares he doesn't mind playing heavy minutes even at age 34

Deebo is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls’ inactivity at last week's trade deadline will have unintended consequences for the players on the roster, especially veteran wingman DeMar DeRozan. 

With All-Star guard Zach LaVine no longer playing this season and no reinforcements in sight, the 15-year pro will have to carry much of the scoring and leadership load as Chicago tries to secure a spot in the postseason.

To his credit, Deebo sounded like he’s all for playing more minutes than usual.

“I just always love hoopin’; I play all summer for free,” Deebo shared.

Heavy minutes

To date, Bulls guard Coby White and DeRozan lead the NBA in minutes played, each player logging in over 1,900 minutes each. However, neither player has complained about the extended minutes, understanding what’s at stake this season. After missing the postseason last year, it would be disastrous for the proud franchise to miss the NBA Playoffs again.

“When you’re playing for an organization and something is on the line, I want to play every single second, minute, opportunity I can. That’s why I pride myself on not missing games,” Deebo said.

NBA leaders in Minutes Played Per Game dating back to the last week of January:

1. Precious Achiuwa: 41.8 MPG
2. DeMar DeRozan: 40.3
3. Donte DiVincenzo: 40.0
4. Coby White: 39.7
5. Josh Hart: 39.0 https://t.co/vM9J5EFSOg

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 11, 2024

Everybody is tired

The Bulls are now past the 50-game mark of the season—a time in the season when fatigue can start to set in for players. Players are banged up and looking forward to the few days off during the All-Star break. However, DeRozan said the team must stay locked in and go full throttle in every game.

“I’m pretty sure everybody is tired. It’s that time of the season where everybody is just waiting for the [All-Star] break,” Deebo shared.

“But we’ve gotta lay it all out on the line every game. Every game is important, whether we’ve got a full team or limited guys. I don’t want to leave one minute untouched if it was up to me, just so we can win a game.”

DeMar DeRozan is averaging 26.8 ppg in his last five games versus the Hawks, logging minimums of 25 points and five assists in four of those five games#SeeRed pic.twitter.com/xLGeu3G2tL

— Bulls Lead (@BullsLead) February 12, 2024

Report ranks DeMar DeRozan at no.16 on the list of the best free agents this coming offseason