After a long time, the Chicago Bulls fans can hold their head high and the credit must go to DeMar DeRozan, who has been sensational for them this season. The Men in Red are once again revisiting the iconic era of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Denis Rodman.
DeMar DeRozan has highlighted that he was a fan of MJ while growing up ad idolized the Bulls’ legend and always wanted to emulate him during his early days in the sport. Recently at an interview, DeRozan shared how Michael Jordan influenced an entire generation to take up the sport and has changed narratives among a lot of people.
Michael Jordan is called the Greatest of All Time by many ardent NBA fans and they can raise a legit case on it. ‘His Airness’ has all the statistics that favour him to take up that tag. The 14-time NBA All-Star was one of the reasons why people became ardent basketball fans during that era and has stayed on. Despite having several problems along the way, nothing could stop Jordan from creating history for the Bulls.
MJ moved away from the sport but even that could not put a blot on his legendary carer having won six titles with the Chicago Bulls. But currently, fans have already started calling DeRozan the modern day Michael Jordan.
The 32-year-old Bulls star has averaged over 28 points this year and is in impeccable form. He became the first player for the Bulls since Jordan to score over 35 points in 6 consecutive games. DeRozan has spoken about Michael Jordan’s impact on his career quite a few times.
During a recent press conference, DeRozan was asked about watching Jordan when he grew up. The Bulls star pointed out how he hated the Utah Jazz during the years of growing up as he always supported the Bulls. DeMar DeRozan recalled. “From ’98 on, I remember his last 2 championships for sure. Being a kid, my dad made me watch every single game. Me, I remember, I used to hate Utah; because you know everybody who was rooting for the Chicago Bulls [at that time] hated Utah. So as a kind, I said I hate Utah too.”
The Chicago Bulls are currently second in the Eastern Conference just behind the Miami Heat with a 38-21 record. DeRozan has done really well to pull the Bulls back to this position from where they were last season. But whether he will be able to achieve success with the Bulls like MJ, remains to be seen.