SUMMARY
- DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls were eliminated from the postseason by the Miami Heat.
- DeRozan shares his thoughts and points out that his time in the league is coming to an end.
DeMar DeRozan had a lot to say in his final postgame interview of the season. The majority of NBA fans will be aware that DeRozan is a star currently playing for the Chicago Bulls. Although he has not won an NBA championship in his career so far. there is no denying that DeMar is a solid star in the league and arguably one of the best current midrange shooters.
The Bulls recently faced off against the Miami Heat for the play-in tournament. Both Chicago and Miami were in a must-win situation considering that the losers would be eliminated. The Heat controlled the pace of the game despite not having Jimmy Butler on the court.
After the game had concluded, DeRozan was interviewed and asked about his future with the Bulls and his current mindset. Now that the context has been provided, a closer look at the current situation is undoubtedly required.
DeMar DeRozan reflects on his veteran status in the NBA
Although NBA fans give a lot of credit to young stars currently dominating the league, the same amount of respect is rarely given to stars who have played at an elite level for many years and are now approaching the end of their career. DeRozan is one of those veteran stars and discussed how this loss to the Heat hurts him since he does not have much time left in the NBA.
“At the end of the day, I hate losing. I hate missing opportunities. It really hits you after the season when you look up and the last second has run out you know, you don’t have another game. The next time I play a game will be my 16th season You realize the window closes for you personally….”
“The next time I play a game will be my 16th season. You realize the window closes for you personally. I ain’t trying to play 25 years. … My stance on wanting to be here is still the same but I just want to win.”
DeMar DeRozan speaks on his future pic.twitter.com/jljLoRAktE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 20, 2024
DeMar continued “I ain’t trying to play 25 years. You wanna have the opportunity to give everything My stance on wanting to be here is still the same but I just want to win. More than anything just have the opportunity to win. Gotta go home and see the first round of the playoffs, the second round of the playoffs… it’s frustrating.”
Upon hearing DeRozan sound disheartened over losing, fans would undoubtedly feel bad for him and his current situation with the Chicago Bulls. However, questions about his future with the team continue to loom over the NBA star.
Will DeRozan retire with the Chicago Bulls?
Since DeRozan is already in his 16th season and one of the oldest players in the league, he is expected to retire within the next few seasons. Although his addition to the Bulls was expected to establish them as a contender in the playoffs, that has not taken place as the team has failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs despite his elite level of play.