In a recent episode of the “25/10 Show” podcast, Chicago Bulls All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan’s shared a deeply personal and heartfelt moment he experienced with his former coach, Gregg Popovich. DeRozan’s father, Frank DeRozan, passed away on February 19, 2021, after a prolonged battle with multiple health issues. At the time, DeRozan was still playing for the San Antonio Spurs and was struggling with his grief.
During the podcast, DeMar DeRozan’s recounted how Coach Popovich, renowned for his tough and demanding coaching style, revealed a softer, more compassionate side during this difficult time. “I called the GM; I didn’t want anybody to know; I didn’t want it to be all in the media,” DeRozan shared. “Ninety seconds later, I hear a knock at the door. It’s Pop. Pop sat in the room and cried with me for two hours. That just showed the person who he was.”
This touching story highlights the special bond Popovich fosters with his players, blending his reputation for being tough but fair with genuine compassion and support. DeRozan’s account of this moment paints a vivid picture of the humanity behind the often stern exterior of one of the NBA’s most respected coaches.
As DeRozan’s narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that his relationship with Popovich transcends the typical coach-player dynamic, illustrating the profound impact a supportive mentor can have during times of personal hardship. This story adds a layer of depth to our understanding of Popovich, who, despite his gruff demeanor, possesses a remarkable capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence.
Transitioning from this personal revelation, DeRozan also discussed his professional future and free agency prospects. Following the Chicago Bulls’ disappointing season, which ended with a 112-91 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference’s eight-seed play-in game, DeRozan expressed his aspirations and uncertainties regarding his next steps.
At 34 years old, DeRozan is a veteran of the league, having just completed his 15th NBA season. Despite his consistent performance and six All-Star selections, he remains in pursuit of his first NBA championship. Reflecting on his future with the Bulls and his desire to continue competing at the highest level, DeRozan stated, “My stance on wanting to be here is still the same, but I just want to win. Just have the opportunity to win and not have to go home to see the first round of the playoffs or the second round of the playoffs. It’s frustrating.”
When asked by reporters what changes he would like to see from the Bulls to encourage him to re-sign, DeRozan responded, “A team that gives us a chance to make a run.” His comments underscore his frustration with the Bulls’ recent performance and his desire to be part of a competitive team capable of making deep playoff runs.
Despite his age, DeRozan continues to perform at an elite level. In the 2023–24 season, he played 79 games and was the Bulls’ leading scorer, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game. His consistent output earned him All-Star nods in the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, though he was not selected for the 2024 All-Star game. The Bulls ended the season with a 39-43 record, just shy of securing a play-in berth before their elimination by Miami. This marks the sixth time in seven seasons that Chicago has missed the playoffs, a trend that DeRozan finds increasingly unacceptable.
DeMar DeRozan’s future with the Bulls remains uncertain as he enters free agency. His desire to remain in Chicago is tempered by his overarching goal of winning an NBA championship. His story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the quest for excellence both on and off the court. As fans and analysts speculate about where DeRozan might play next season, his recent reflections provide a candid glimpse into the mind of a player who, despite personal and professional challenges, remains committed to achieving greatness.
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