When DeMar DeRozan‘s deal with the Bulls first leaked, he seemed like an odd fit for a team that already had Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine in its backcourt. But DeRozan dismissed that concern during his introductory news conference in Chicago, writes Rob Schaeffer of NBC Sports Chicago.
“I mean, it’s basketball. Lot of people I see criticizing, talking about ‘fit this, fit that’ have probably never even played basketball,” DeRozan said. “For me, if everybody (is) on the same page mentality and wants to win, it don’t matter about a ‘fit,’ because it’s all gonna come together how it need to come together and make it work. Because at the end of the day the common denominator is winning.”
DeRozan brings a lot of valuable assets to the Bulls that go beyond on-court fit, Schaeffer points out. He ranked eighth in free throw attempts per game last season with 7.2, a category in which Chicago was last in the league, and his turnover rate has been better than the league average in all 12 of his NBA seasons. In addition, DeRozan believes he can serve as a veteran leader, the way Chris Paul did in Phoenix.
“With the experience of the successes, the failures, everything that I went through,” he said, “just understanding going into the season from Day 1 to the last day what it takes to really go over those humps, the tough days where stuff is going bad. When a game or two is off track, how to put things back in place, how to get guys back together.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- When the Bulls reached an agreement with Ball, that gave DeRozan more incentive to come to Chicago, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. “Once Lonzo signed, that made it even more appealing,” DeRozan said. “You could see what they were working toward, and it was something I wanted to be a part of. It wasn’t too much of a pitch that they had to make after that.”
- Alex Caruso will bring defensive toughness and championship experience to the Bulls, Schaeffer adds in a separate story. The former Laker said good defensive players have to show a willingness to be physical and “a little dirty” to be successful.
- The contract for forward/center Marko Simonovic, a second-round pick in 2020, is worth $4.3MM over three years, tweets Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The first two seasons come with a full guarantee, but the final year is non-guaranteed. The Bulls used the remainder of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Simonovic, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link), who breaks down the minimum-salary deal at $925,258 for the upcoming season, $1,563,518 in 2022/23 and $1,836,096 in 2023/24.
Are the new Bulls soft?
Caruso is the toughest guy in the team?
I can’t believe the bulls haven’t noticed that demar can’t shoot past 17 feet or play any defense at all
Nvm hes averaged 20+ a game for 8 straight seasons
Derozan developed into one of the most efficient shooters in the NBA while in SA. He also became a facilitator that can create his own shot and finish at the rim. Derozan fits in pretty well.
Indeed DeRozan’s TS% last two seasons in 60% and 59% which is high level.
No he doesn’t shoot 3’s but he knows how to maximize his impact around the rim. Also is an elite mid range shooter.
I can’t believe you haven’t noticed you can’t evaluate basketball talent
I like the bulls moves. Think they are a playoff team.
My Rankings for playoffs teams
Nets
Bucks
Heat
76ers
Hawks
Bulls
Celtics
Pacers
Knicks, Wizards, and even Hornets could have something to say to the Pacers and especially the Celtics
Either way though, the East has definitely stepped up its level of play and the quality of good, solid teams has increased significantly..
Celtics big 3 are better than those teams.
IMO
Tatum is a better player than Beal.
Who’s their big 3? Tatum Brown and …….. Schroeder?
I think it’s Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Probably Miami and Atlanta. Then a complete toss up for the last 4 spots (apologies to Philly, as they’re a total unknown until they figure out what they’re doing with BS)
So a top 10 team in the East ok sweet
Happy for Lavine. He can at least say his franchise tried (crazy as it may be). Dame? Beal? Ehh
Derozan is accustomed to playing with two other guards so fit should not be a problem.
I hope Caruso doesn’t get big-timed into being an enforcer. He’s not that big and is more creative than Lavine or Lonzo.
Did the Knicks even try for DeRozan or did they just prefer Fournier?
Seems as tho they either were intent on Fournier or knew DeRozan was going to demand 4/80
Personally I’d prefer DDR over Evan but not at the price CHI paid so I guess I’m ambivalent.
Edit: *more than 4/80
Seems like NYK decided on Fournier long ago. Certainly Fournier is better at fitting, possibly to a fault… he tends to blend in but can score many ways and almost by request.
But DDR comes at you fast. He also has had depression issues, so I wonder if by ‘fit’ people worry about the pressure in Chicago… something perhaps well avoided by Rose/NYK/MSG.
As a neutral I liked seeing NYK get the guy with that good French shrugging ability! Some hate that though.
People forget DD is a proven bucket. When LaVine isn’t hitting his shots, there is absolutely NOBODY who can get a bucket in his own. Bringing in DD gives them another proven scorer. Yes, he’s not great defensively but his playmaking skills have actually gotten better. He’s adapted better than say a guy like Carmelo. This allows us to cut more on the back screens. Drop it down on the block and get himself a bucket or allow the defense to collapse giving Lavine, White etc another open shot. DD has never been a locker room problem and he’s always been a humble quiet guy which is saying something considering he grew up in SoCal. I’m not saying he’s a difference between a title team but he’ll help them make a few playoffs and establish a winning culture which hasn’t been around since 2015-16. Also, williams will be learning a lot on offense with DD’s tutoring. He’ll become a better offensive player this year.
It’s only a problematic fit to those who haven’t watched the Spurs or DDR play the last couple of years. He’s essentially played the 4 spot, or at least he played with 3 perimeter players at almost all times. The Depth Chart and the rhetoric both suggest the same here. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Of course, I don’t expect many of the reporters to realize what they’re seeing for a couple of years.
Exactly. People tuned out on DDR the last couple of season where he actually made fairly significant strides.
I don’t love the price tag but DDR will absolutely be a positive addition to the Bulls roster.