DeRozan's Emotional Return to Chicago: A Night of Appreciation
A Time of Transition
DeMar DeRozan's journey through NBA rosters has been both strategic and sentimental. After three impactful seasons with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan made headlines by signing with the Sacramento Kings in the recent offseason. It was a bold move for the 35-year-old veteran, who yearned to join a team with genuine championship aspirations. His decision not to re-sign with the Bulls underscores his desire to contend at a higher level—a decision that ultimately brought him back to Chicago, this time as a visitor.
From Chicago Love to a King's Arrival
Returning to familiar turf at the United Center, DeRozan was met with a warm embrace. The Chicago faithful showered him with a standing ovation and a heartfelt video tribute before he took to the court against his former team. This display of admiration didn't go unnoticed by DeRozan, who acknowledged the fans' gesture with humility. "Stuff like that goes a long way, man," he reflected. "I'm always humbled by any type of appreciation from my time anywhere."
During his tenure with the Bulls, DeRozan became a mainstay on the roster, averaging an impressive 25.5 points per game on 49.6% shooting, alongside 5.1 assists. Yet, despite his strong individual performance, the Bulls struggled to turn it into playoff success, missing the postseason twice and only advancing to the first round in 2022, where they were defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
A Performance Against Old Friends
In his return game, DeRozan showcased his enduring talent by scoring 21 points on 9 of 20 shooting, contributing three assists. He took charge in the second half, where 11 of his points came, nine of which were pivotal in the fourth quarter. Despite the game's competitive nature, it was clear that for DeRozan, being back in Chicago was about more than just basketball.
Bittersweet Memories
DeRozan's stint with the Bulls came with high hopes. The franchise believed that his pairing with players like Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic would culminate in playoff triumphs. As he reminisced about his time in Chicago, DeRozan remarked, "It was cool to come back to a place where they loved you, appreciated you. My three years here felt like 10. I enjoyed my time here. It was fun."
Reflecting on this chapter and looking forward to new challenges with the Kings, DeRozan remains a class act, appreciating the journey and the bonds formed along the way. His return to Chicago was not just a game—it was a poignant reminder of his lasting impact both on and off the court.