Jan 13, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and guard Zach LaVine (8) block out San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

DeMar DeRozan's Strong Zach LaVine Statement

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 8:38 PM ET

Flashback to the 2021-22 season: the Chicago Bulls roster featured a big three of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. They'd go on to win 46 games, which was good enough to finish as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, but would lose in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Flash forward to this season, and that was the last time the Bulls made the playoffs as the big three is no longer. DeMar DeRozan left for the Sacramento Kings this past offseason and Zach LaVine joined DeRozan via trade before the deadline. Now reunited in California, where both players played college basketball, they'll have their eyes set on bringing the Kings back to the playoffs. In a session with the media last week, DeRozan spoke about LaVine and how highly he views the guard.

“I feel like he’s very under appreciated… the talent that he has, it’s unmatched. Like I’ve said before, he’s one of the most talented players that I’ve ever played with.”

“Everything he’s able to do is incredible and I think people are gonna get a chance to see it.”

-… pic.twitter.com/eWgVi9S3Jh
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) February 5, 2025

"I feel like he’s very under-appreciated," DeRozan shared. "…The talent that he has, it’s unmatched. Like I’ve said before, he’s one of the most talented players that I’ve ever played with.”

During their three seasons together in the Windy City, LaVine averaged 23.9 points and shot 37.7% from behind the arc, averages LaVine hopes to return to after a rocky start with Sacramento.

It’s tough to put into words how much this city and this organization have meant to me over the past 8 years. Chicago, you’ve welcomed me with open arms, and the memories we’ve created together will stay with me forever. The fans here are unlike any other—you’ve made playing in… pic.twitter.com/QyoUA1jFei
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) February 4, 2025

“Everything he’s able to do is incredible and I think people are gonna get a chance to see it," DeRozan added when talking about his three-point abilities.

Without LaVine, Chicago can prioritize their youth with players like Matas Buzelis and better improve their draft positioning as a result.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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