It's been a season to remember for Chicago Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan. From playing in his 1,000th career game to joining the prestigious 20,000-point club, DeRozan has been on a tear this season. His efforts have once again gained him recognition from the NBA, as he was named an All-Star for the second consecutive season.
Cherishing every moment
Now playing in his 14th season—his second with the Bulls—DeRozan remains in awe of what he has accomplished in his career. While growing up on the streets of Compton, California, becoming an All-Star was only a dream for DeRozan. But here he is—a six-time All-Star.
"It's beyond exciting," DeRozan said. "To still be playing, all the things I've accomplished in my career, I can't even lie to you, it's a lot of stuff I still don't believe that I've accomplished being from Compton, California, being through all the stuff I've been through, personal, career-wise, just to still be honored as an All-Star is honoring."
Even though this will be his sixth trip to the NBA's mid-season exhibition, DeRozan almost has to pinch himself to make sure everything that has happened in his career isn't just a dream.
"It means everything," DeRozan added. "Just from me being at the 20,000 point mark, 1,000 games, just everything I've accomplished, I still to this moment don't believe it. I grew up a fan of this game way before it was even possible for me to be in this position."
"Believe in yourself"
DeRozan knows that somewhere out there, there is a player who is capable of accomplishing great things on the basketball floor if only he or she believed in themselves more. He shared some powerful words of encouragement with that person.
"I just hope anybody out there, whatever field you work in, never listen to outside noise of people doubting you, counting you out. As long as you're true to yourself, believe in yourself, you keep putting in the work with a genuine heart and genuine passion, you'll be rewarded."
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