Throughout his 14 seasons in the NBA, DeMar DeRozan has consistently sought to enhance his game by incorporating new elements. Armed with an array of skills, including a deceptive pump fake, a back-to-the-basket shimmy move, and a crafty ball-stealing technique, DeRozan has adapted to the evolving nature of the game. Now in his third season with the Chicago Bulls, he has adjusted his playing style to align with the team’s renewed focus on point guard Coby White.
Approaching changes to his role with a mindset of adaptability, the six-time All-Star, now 34, acknowledges the importance of remaining open-minded. While he continues to lead the team in scoring, averaging 22 points per game, DeRozan has made adjustments. Notably, his shot attempts inside the arc have decreased to 6.7 per game, the lowest since his time in Toronto, and he has increased his three-point attempts to a career-high 2.8 per game.
This shift in approach has resulted in DeRozan contributing more to team play, reflected in his highest assist rate (5.3 per game) since joining the Bulls. This adjustment aligns with the Bulls’ emphasis on a high-assist, high-movement offense.
While maintaining his distinct style, DeRozan’s willingness to let others take the lead demonstrates his leadership and experience. Center Nikola Vučević notes that DeRozan’s flexibility this season has allowed him to empower teammates, contributing to the team’s success.
DeRozan’s commitment to continuous learning and adaptation has been a constant throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of this mindset, particularly as players age and face challenges related to declining athleticism. His time with the San Antonio Spurs, where he assumed a lead-guard role, and his current tenure with the Bulls have marked crucial phases in his growth and refinement as a player.
DeRozan’s journey of fine-tuning his game and understanding his role has not been a solitary one. Vučević, who transitioned from a primary scorer to a distributor with a reduced three-point volume, acknowledges the difficulty of embracing change but emphasizes its value, especially as players age.
While DeRozan’s statistics may not be at their peak this season, his role has been pivotal in facilitating breakout performances from teammates like Coby White. As DeRozan contemplates a contract extension with the Bulls, he underscores the importance of his adaptable mindset, expressing a willingness to evolve his game for the greater good of the team.
“In my career, whatever’s asked of me, I try to do that to the best of my ability,” DeRozan said. “It gets to a point where it’s not just about you, it’s about the team. Whatever is asked from me from the team aspect, to make us better, to make the guys better, I’m all for it.”
