Chicago Bulls veteran DeMar DeRozan is having a fantastic 2021-22 season thus far.
The 32-year-old is proving that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank, which is something that’s catching a lot of people by surprise.
DeRozan recently spoke about where his motivation is coming from this season, and he explained that he’s fueled by his doubters. He said that he’s gotten a huge boost from the folks who called him “washed” in recent years.
"Washed."
"Won't fit."DeMar DeRozan has turned the criticism into motivation with the Bulls this season. pic.twitter.com/hX9xKg80oN
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 16, 2021
The Bulls’ season is off to a great start, as the squad currently has a sparkling 10-4 record. Chicago is trying to make the postseason for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign, and the organization is certainly on the right track in the early stages of the 2021-22 season.
DeRozan has had a massive hand in the team’s early-season success. The four-time All-Star is averaging 26.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest over a 14-game sample. He also has some impressive shooting clips, as he’s knocking down 51.0 percent of his shots from the field and 37.1 percent of his shots from deep.
It remains to be seen if DeRozan is going to be able to keep up this sort of production all season long, but it definitely seems like he’s playing with new life.
The former first-round pick is still looking for his first NBA title, which could also be providing some added motivation for him. Every player wants to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning a ring, and DeRozan, of course, would love to do so this season with the Bulls.
