DeMar DeRozan is now a Chicago Bull after spending the last three seasons as a San Antonio Spur.
On Monday at Media Day, DeRozan spoke on his time in San Antonio, specifically learning from Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and how he grew as a player.
“In my time in San Antonio, I learned so much more about myself as a player, what I was able and capable of doing. It grew me more as a leader,” DeRozan said. “And this time around, it’s just putting everything I’ve learned in my career all together. It’s just put me at a different level physically and mentally.”
DeRozan’s role in San Antonio grew to be different than what he was accustomed to during his time in Toronto, where he was a four-time All-Star. He grew to be a more well-rounded offensive player, as Gregg Popovich helped mold DeRozan into an above average playmaker.
After missing the playoffs over the last two seasons, DeRozan is ready to get back to his winning ways and show that he’s still in the prime of his career.
“I think this is for me, the best part of my career. With the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years, my perspective on how I approach the game, how I approach preparation, everything to the game,” DeRozan said. “It took me 13 years to get to the point that I’m at mentally, physically, emotionally in approaching the game. So for me, I think it’s just my best go-round.”
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