"Every year that go by, you find more and more appreciation in it" - DeMar DeRozan is excited as ever for the regular season opener

DeMar DeRozan will be entering his 14th NBA season in 2022-2023. Coming off arguably the best season of his career, the five-time All-Star recently shared his excitement for the first game of the season.

Speaking with Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago, the Chicago Bulls star stated:

"It's everything. It's not like being a teacher where you can teach for 30, 40, 50 years. You definitely, every year that go by, you find more and more appreciation in it."

Rob Schaefer

@rob_schaef

DeMar DeRozan, entering Year 14, still gets excited for NBA regular-season opener:

"It's everything... It's not like being a teacher where you can teach for 30, 40, 50 years. You definitely, every year that go by, you find more and more appreciation in it."

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DeMar DeRozan, entering Year 14, still gets excited for NBA regular-season opener:

"It's everything... It's not like being a teacher where you can teach for 30, 40, 50 years. You definitely, every year that go by, you find more and more appreciation in it."

Despite being a veteran in this league, DeMar DeRozan is showing no signs of slowing down. The three-time All-NBA selection looked like the best version of himself in his first season in Chicago. He was in the MVP conversations in the first half of the season. Unfortunately, for DeRozan and the Bulls, the team suffered injuries to key players, tanking DeRozan's opportunity to join Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose as the only MVPs in franchise history.

In 2021-2022, DeRozan averaged 27.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 50.4% from the field, including 35.2% from 3-point range, and 87.7% from the free throw line.

His points per game and 3-point percentage both represented career highs. Prior to joining the Bulls, DeRozan shot only 22.7% from long range in his three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. He will be looking to build on his impressive start in Chicago this season.

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DeMar DeRozan's historic stretch in 2021-2022

DeMar DeRozan had a historic stretch last season where he seemed unstoppable. His historic February led to him joining Michael Jordan as the only two players to average over 35 points in a month while shooting above 55% from the field.

StatMuse

@statmuse

DeMar DeRozan in February:

35.9 PPG
6.1 RPG
5.5 APG
58.4 FG%

He’s set to join Michael Jordan as the only players to average 35+ points on 55% shooting in a month since the three-point era (1980).

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DeMar DeRozan in February:

35.9 PPG
6.1 RPG
5.5 APG
58.4 FG%

He’s set to join Michael Jordan as the only players to average 35+ points on 55% shooting in a month since the three-point era (1980). https://t.co/HwoVj3zR24

DeRozan also broke the record held by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain previously held the NBA record for averaging at least 35 points while shooting at least 50% from the field in six consecutive games. DeRozan surpassed Chamblerain by doing so in eight consecutive games.

StatMuse

@statmuse

It happened. DeMar DeRozan is the first player in NBA history with 35+ points on 50% shooting in 7 straight games.

38 PTS | 59 FG%
40 PTS | 67 FG%
38 PTS | 50 FG%
35 PTS | 64 FG%
36 PTS | 68 FG%
38 PTS | 59 FG%
45 PTS | 60 FG%

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It happened. DeMar DeRozan is the first player in NBA history with 35+ points on 50% shooting in 7 straight games.

38 PTS | 59 FG%
40 PTS | 67 FG%
38 PTS | 50 FG%
35 PTS | 64 FG%
36 PTS | 68 FG%
38 PTS | 59 FG%
45 PTS | 60 FG% https://t.co/LjNqZAxnpB

DeRozan's historic February performance led to him receiving Player of the Month honors for the fourth time in his NBA career. DeRozan will be looking to lead the Bulls to their first NBA championship since Jordan's retirement.

The Chicago Bulls' first regular-season match is against the Miami Heat on Oct. 20.

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