© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar DeRozan shares he doesn't mind playing heavy minutes even at age 34
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.
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.”
