The Chicago Bulls lost to the Milwaukee Bucks on December 11, but DeMar DeRozan became the first player in franchise history since NBA legend Michael Jordan to accomplish an impressive feat.
DeRozan became the only Bulls player besides Jordan to post at least 40 points and 10 assists. DeRozan finished with a season-high 41 points and 11 assists against the Bucks.
Jordan had at least 40 points and 11 assists in a game nine times. The last time Jordan had a 40-11 game with the Bulls was on December 23, 1992, against the Washington Wizards.
“Anything with Michael Jordan in it is a helluva accomplishment,” DeRozan said. “I never take none of that for granted.”
DeRozan shot 14-of-30 from the field, 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line against the Bucks. The Bulls lost in overtime by a final score of 133-129 to drop to 9-15 on the season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls Updates
DeRozan is averaging 22.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Bulls this season while shooting 44.4% from the floor, 37.3% from 3 and 80.5% from the foul line. The six-time All-Star is in the final year of his contract and most people around the NBA expect Chicago to trade him before the trade deadline in February.
“DeRozan, perhaps more than any of the aforementioned players, is considered very likely to be on the move before the deadline passes,” The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote. “And with good reason. … When it comes to possible destinations, the Heat and Knicks are known to be preferable to DeRozan if he winds up getting moved.”
DeRozan has career averages of 21.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Bulls. The 34-year-old has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype spoke to an NBA executive who was sincere about the trade value of DeRozan.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls Updates
“DeMar DeRozan is worth a first in this draft in the 20s since it’s a weak draft, and he’s unrestricted at the end of the season,” an NBA executive told HoopsHype. “He can be a third scorer on a winning team. I think he’s got some gas left in the tank.”
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