DeMar DeRozan Joins the Kings: A Reflective Homecoming to the United Center
In a move that has reshaped expectations for both the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls, 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan has made his transition to the Kings official this offseason. This relocation ends his notable three-year stint with the Bulls, where he became an integral part of the team and a fan favorite.
DeRozan, who chose not to re-sign with the Bulls, received a hero’s welcome at the United Center upon his return as a Sacramento King. With a standing ovation and a heartfelt video tribute, the Chicago faithful expressed their deep appreciation for the talent and passion he brought to the city. “Stuff like that goes a long way, man,” DeRozan said, reflecting on the warm reception. “I'm always humbled by any type of appreciation from my time anywhere.”
Impressive Tenure in Chicago
Throughout his three seasons with the Bulls, DeRozan demonstrated his prowess by averaging 25.5 points per game while maintaining an impressive 49.6% shooting percentage. His ability to both score and facilitate was evident with an average of 5.1 assists per game. Despite his stellar performance, the Bulls faced challenges in postseason advancement, missing the playoffs twice. Their best run came in 2022, when they reached the first round but exited in five games at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks.
DeRozan's synergy with teammates such as Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic created moments of magic on the court, even if the ultimate team goals remained just out of reach. Summing up his time in the Windy City, DeRozan fondly remarked, “It was cool to come back to a place where they loved you, appreciated you. My three years here felt like 10. I enjoyed my time here. It was fun.”
Return Performance
In his first game back at the United Center as an opponent, DeRozan demonstrated why he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Scoring 21 points on 9 of 20 shooting, he managed to ignite the crowd’s memory of his game-changing abilities. His performance included three assists and a notable surge in the latter stages of the game, with 11 of his points coming in the second half and nine in the crucial fourth quarter. This showed his ability to rise to the occasion, even in emotionally charged environments.
DeRozan’s presence in Sacramento brings a wealth of experience and talent to a team looking to make waves in the playoffs. As he continues his career with the Kings, basketball fans in both Sacramento and Chicago are eagerly watching what this next chapter holds.
While DeRozan's departure marks the end of a memorable era for the Bulls, it also emphasizes his professional growth and the indelible mark he left in Chicago. His legacy in the league as a consistent scorer and beloved teammate continues to deepen, leaving behind memories of his tenure with the Bulls and sparking excitement for his future contributions to the Kings. As DeRozan himself smiles and reflects on his journey, the teams and fans he’s inspired move forward, ever changed by his time on the court.