"I embodied the culture of Chicago": DeMar DeRozan makes Bulls feelings clear on former team ahead of return
Months after departing for the Sacramento Kings in free agency, DeMar DeRozan returned to Chicago on Sunday. Following the matchup against his former team, the All-Star forward looked back on his time with the Bulls.
DeRozan performed well in his three-year run with the Bulls, resulting in a warm welcome from the organization and fanbase in his return. While reminiscing about his tenure, he opened up on giving everything he had to the city.
“The first moment I came here, I tried to give my all to this organization, to this city. And I think it showed,” DeRozan said. “You can’t fake it when you’re genuinely putting everything into representing the Bulls. I embodied the culture of Chicago, everything. I think when people see that, you get the genuine reaction in return.”
It's clear that emotions were high for DeMar DeRozan and the Bulls in this matchup. However, there was still a game to be played. DeRozan shined in Chicago, posting 21 points and three assists. In the end, he was able to pick up a win against his old squad as the Kings walked out with a 124-119 victory.
As is customary when a star player makes their return, the Bulls put together a tribute video for DeRozan to honor his time in Chicago:
DeMar DeRozan shares heartfelt moment with Lonzo Ball in return to Chicago
Aside from DeMar DeRozan going to the Kings, the Chicago Bulls' roster didn't go through much change in the offseason. Because of this, the star forward got to reunite with a lot of his former teammates on Sunday. Right before tip-off, DeRozan shared a special moment with one specific player.
Over the past few years, one of the biggest stories for the Bulls has been Lonzo Ball's injury woes. After missing the last two seasons, the former No. 2 pick has been able to return to action for Chicago. Sunday's matchup was big for Ball, as he made his first start in nearly three years.
As the players were taking the floor, DeMar DeRozan and Ball had a wholesome exchange. The two shared a long embrace at halfcourt and talked briefly.
Ball put together a solid outing in his first start against the Kings, posting a stat line of 15 points and three assists in 25 minutes of action. Following the matchup, the veteran point guard was asked about DeRozan. Ball jokingly said that his old teammate looked better in a Bulls uniform.
“I like him more on our side, in our uniform,” said Ball, who made his first start since Jan. 14, 2022, after multiple knee surgeries. “But he still looks pretty good in the black and purple.”
Since moving to the Kings, DeRozan continues to play at near an All-Star level. As we approach the halfway point in the season, he is averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.