For the sixth time in his career, DeMar DeRozan was awarded the prestigious honor of being named an All-Star.
“I couldn’t even lie to you, there’s a lot of stuff I couldn’t believe that I’ve accomplished. Being from Compton, California, being through all the stuff I’ve been through. Personal, career-wise. Being honored as an All-Star, it’s definitely an honor.”
While the Bulls have struggled, this has been an incredible season for DeRozan, who is averaging 26.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 51.1 percent shooting from the field. DeRozan also reached the 20,000 career point mark (which he has since passed), 1,000 career games played mark, and now, his second-consecutive and 6th career All-Star appearance.
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“I sucks. I wish it was more of a team thing for sure,” DeRozan said. “But it’s definitely an honor being respected by the coaches, the players. Everything across the board. It’s definitely an honor. It means a lot. I never take none of that lightly or for granted at all. I’m honored, I’m very appreciative of it.”
The announcement came while DeRozan was on the floor during his pre-game warmups, so the Bulls had Dalen Terry share the news.
Friend of the program Ayo Dosunmu had kind words for DeRozan, even calling out his candidacy for the Hall of Fame.
DeRozan was named an All-Star in his final three seasons in Toronto before getting traded to San Antonio, where he missed the game three-straight years. For him to have this sort of late(r)-career resurgence speaks to the amount of work he puts in and the respect he has around the league.
“Anybody out there, whatever field you work in, never listen to the outside noise of people doubting you, counting you out, everything,” DeRozan preached. “As long as you’re true to yourself, believe in yourself, you keep putting in the work with a genuine heart and genuine passion, you’ll be rewarded.”
Though it sounds cliche, DeRozan genuinely believes in this mantra. It explains the unfathomable amount of work he puts into this game, and proves he is no doubt an NBA All-Star.
