Bulls News

DeMar DeRozan shares one of the greatest moments of his career - and it didn't happen on the floor

Deebo shares an unforgettable career highlight off the court.

Stephen Beslic

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Chicago Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan is playing in his 15th season in the NBA and has had plenty of unforgettable moments. From scoring feats to game-winners, Deebo has been a consistent presence in the league, earning multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections along the way. However, when asked about his greatest moment in his career, DeRozan shared a surprising answer: it didn’t happen on the court.

In the midst of greatness

A member of the San Antonio Spurs at the time, DeRozan flew to Los Angeles to attend the funeral of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Upon arriving at the Staples Center, DeRozan saw his coach Gregg Popovich converse with Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers legend Phil Jackson.

“I was in awe. Just knowing the battles they went through, the success, the championships, the greatness. Just to be right there in your presence, seeing them having a conversation and interacting with one another, it was one of the highlights of my career to be able to be in the midst of those two greats talking and me being a fan of the game. I just remember that moment,” DeRozan said.

Recently reconnected with Jackson

DeRozan recently reconnected with Jackson after the Bulls icon spent nearly two hours with the team in an insightful Q&A session organized by the team’s director of performance health, Chip Schaefer. Deebo said he came away from the event feeling inspired by the all stories Jackson shared with them.

“Being a student of the game and being able to be in the same room with such greatness, you can’t do nothing but leave being inspired walking away from it,” DeRozan added.

DeMar DeRozan is confident the Chicago Bulls can compete with any team despite the front office's reluctance to make moves

Published
Stephen Beslic
STEPHEN BESLIC

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.

Home/Off The Court