Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan has remained a dependable asset for the team throughout a season characterized by performance fluctuations and mediocrity.
Despite facing challenges with injuries to key players Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball, the 34-year-old has led the team through much of the year.
With the burden of responsibility on his shoulders, DeRozan logged 2,984 minutes on the court this season, surpassing all other players in the league by a considerable margin.
Remarkably, this is also the most minutes played by any player in a season throughout the 2020s decade.
DeRozan averaged 37.8 minutes in 79 games during the 2023-24 season, although this falls short of his career high. Previously, he averaged 38.2 minutes with the Toronto Raptors in the 2013-14 season.
The former USC Trojan averaged 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in a solid season. However, he missed out on his seventh appearance in the All-Star game after making the previous two editions, which is more attributed to a loaded lineup in the East than a decline in performance.
Bulls set to take on the Hawks in play-in tournament action
The Chicago Bulls finished 9th in the Eastern Conference at the end of the 2023-24 regular season, positioning themselves for a chance to reach the postseason through the play-in tournament.
They are scheduled to face the Atlanta Hawks at home on Wednesday, April 17, at the United Center.
If they win that game, they will then face the winner of the other play-in game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat for the final playoff spot in the East.
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