Fuel for the fire: DeMar DeRozan on using disrespect as motivation

An unnamed team tried to sign Deebo—a bona fide NBA star at the peak of his powers—for the veteran’s minimum.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Let's say you're a multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA player, and out of the blue, you get offered a deal for the veteran's minimum. Would you be upset? Disrespected? Pissed off, even? That's exactly how the Bulls' star DeMar DeRozan felt in the summer of 2021 when he was still a free agent. How did Deebo respond? Read on to find out.

One team took its shot

DeRozan's recent free-agent saga was a sheer rollercoaster ride. From nearly becoming a member of his hometown Los Angeles Lakers to signing a three-year $82 million deal with the Bulls, it was a summer to remember for the Compton native. One team, though, made it even more memorable as DeRozan shared he received a contract offer for the veteran's minimum. Safe to say, DeRozan did not take too kindly to that.

In a talk interview with former NBA veteran JJ Redick and Tommy Alter on The Old Man and The Three podcast, the 33-year-old didn't mince his words when asked about how he felt upon receiving that lowball offer.

"It pissed me off," DeRozan said. "And I try to make it evident, especially when I play certain teams. It's easy to tell. Because I made it a personal vendetta against a handful of teams, for sure."

While DeRozan didn't disclose which team this was, fans can feel free to speculate. However, note that his most explosive performance came against the LA Clippers, where he dropped a 50-piece in a memorable overtime win.

Not hard to find motivation

Many of the all-time greats have used disrespect to fuel their fire, and DeRozan is no different. From Michael Jordan to the late Kobe Bryant, some of the game's most notable names have used slights, real or perceived, to propel themselves to even greater heights. For DeRozan, it's no different.

"You always try to find reasons to be motivated. At this point, I have so many other motivational factors that it becomes laughable. I always use whatever I can take. It's kind of like free energy," said DeRozan.