DeMar DeRozan, in a recent appearance at a podcast, explained how his childhood inspired him to take part in pickup games this offseason.
The NBA offseason till now has shown its fair share of twists and turns to NBA fans. From failed trades to one of the biggest superstars in Kevin Durant demanding a move away from the Nets, the offseason has seen it all. While we were void of NBA action, pro-am leagues and pickup games came to the rescue for fans.
Although fans did not see many NBA players show up in these summer leagues for the past decade, this season we saw a massive increase in players from the league playing in the community. With players like Dejounte Murray and Donovan Mitchell showing up, fans had their share of entertainment in the offseason.
DeMar DeRozan Opens Up About His Preseason Pickup Games
Among some of the biggest names who were seen in pro-am games were DeMar DeRozan and LeBron James. Given that two superstars were playing in a pro-am game was crazy for many fans.
In a recent appearance at JJ Reddick's podcast, DeRozan explained why he decided to show up in a pro-am game. (6:07 onwards)
"I remember being that childhood kid and you know I mean my dad used to take me to the Long Beach and watch all the older guys play whatever type of league that was… That was just exciting for me."
"As a kid, to see NBA players come back and play in a community where you know for free to me it was it was a major thing that I just wanted to get back."
"This year I just tried to make it more of a conscious effort for myself just to go back and compete and plan it you know for the community more than anything because I know being that kid in the in the crowd how much that means to be up close and see NBA players and it means so much and it gives so much inspiration."
DeRozan certainly put on a show in the offseason. Making an appearance alongside LeBron James, it was the superstar duo who ultimately prevailed in a pro-am matchup. After a great season with the Chicago Bulls, the forward will look forward to leading the team to yet another playoff run. But with a pivotal member in Lonzo Ball sidelined, can DeRozan lead the Bulls to a successful season?
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