DeMar DeRozan explains where his loyalty comes from

DeMar DeRozan has established a considerable reputation throughout his career, granting him the authority to voice his preferences—whether it be for stronger teammates or a better opportunity to capture an NBA championship.

Nonetheless, despite being a veteran of 15 years, DeRozan remains one of the league's most unassuming superstars, someone who never utters a complaint even when confronted with adversity.

Grateful for the opportunity

The NBA is currently living in the age of player empowerment where more often than not, stars have their way when chasing a greater chance of success. However, DeRozan stands out in that he has remained loyal to whatever team and city he’s playing for.

He played nine seasons in Toronto before moving on to San Antonio for three years. Now playing in the third and last season of the contract he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021, DeRozan is completely aware and grateful for the opportunity he’s gotten over the past decade.

“Honestly, it just comes from the gratitude of being able to play this game. I don’t ever take it for granted, no matter how much recognition I may get. The older I get and the more mature I become and to still be playing at a high level 15 years in, I just appreciate it all,” DeRozan said in an interview with NBC Sports Chicago.

“With my humble beginnings and where I came from, I’m just happy to be playing. As long as I’m playing, I always feel everything else takes care of itself.”

Monday night hoops on deck. pic.twitter.com/cUbaP1zkrz
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 30, 2023

Control what you can

After a successful first season in Chicago in 2021 where they finished as the sixth seed but were eliminated from the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks, the Bulls haven’t had much success since then. They missed the NBA Playoffs last season and currently have an even 2-2 record this season.

Being a veteran in the sunset of his career, DeRozan could have easily seen the writing on the wall and opted to go somewhere else for a last chance at success. But DeRozan has stayed with the Bulls because he’s chosen to simply focus on what he can control.

“My whole life, I’ve always been this way: Control what you can control. This may sound cliché, but I’m big on being professional even in the toughest of times. It’s always easy to run away or find an excuse or blame somebody else or whatever. But sticking through something always teaches you a lesson,” DeRozan shared.

“Some people demand trades or demand certain things and they still don’t get what they want. For me, I just wake up and try to be the best I can be that day and let it translate over.”

Deebo finds Vooch in traffic.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/7fiRBeIbHW
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 31, 2023