Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan told NBA reporter K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago that he “can’t wait” to pass Dwyane Wade on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
DeRozan is 69 points away from passing Wade, who is DeRozan’s close friend and current offseason neighbor near Los Angeles.
“Oh, I can’t wait for that one,” DeRozan said. “I can’t wait until I pass him. As soon as I pass him, I’m going to let him know.”
DeRozan and Wade are two of the best players in NBA history. DeRozan told Johnson that Wade was the toughest player for him to guard when he entered the league in 2009 with the Toronto Raptors.
“Man, DWade when I came in the league was by far the hardest person to guard,” DeRozan said. “Me being a two and coming in the Eastern Conference, I had to see him so many times early in my career. Having the opportunity to play him in the playoffs in 2016, the way he played the game was so incredible. He was so physical, so fast. He had a drive to him that showed why he’s one of the best to ever do it. It’s beyond an honor. I grew up watching him play.
“So for me to be able to have a friendship with him means so much more to me. I can ask him so many questions for advice on late-career decisions. I remember talking to him when I came to Chicago and about what it’s like to play for that city. So to have the opportunity to pass somebody I admire, played in All-Star games with, competed against, have a great relationship with is definitely cool. It means a lot.”
Wade is widely recognized as the third-greatest shooting guard in NBA history behind Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Wade won three championships with the Miami Heat and made 13 All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams and three All-Defensive teams.
The 2006 Finals MVP, Wade averaged 22.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists with the Heat, Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
DeRozan, who is still playing at a high level, is averaging 23.1 points this season for the Bulls.
More must-reads: