NBA ALL-STAR MEDIA DAY

February 19, 2022

DeMar DeRozan

Media Day Press Conference

Q. Double rim or no net?

DEMAR DEROZAN: Double rim, because no net the ball goes everywhere, so double rim.

Q. Would you rather have a ref or no fouls?

DEMAR DEROZAN: No fouls.

Q. How special is this All-Star for you?

DEMAR DEROZAN: I mean, it's top. It's top. One, it's hard to make a first impression when you make an accomplishment, so it's hard to go against the first time I was here. But to be here again after everything I went through, it's sweet. Just to be here, especially to look around, see guys that -- that was my rookie [Fred VanVleet]. Anticipating playing with another one of my teammates, Zach LaVine, and to be a starter again. It's great.

Q. So you and Zach are enjoying the moment together.

DEMAR DEROZAN: Man, it's awesome. I know what it feels like to be here with a teammate and to be here on another team with a teammate, it's great. It sucks that we're not on the same team, but it's great to be able to share the experience, represent our team together, and keep the same kind of run.

Q. What are your thoughts on Fred VanVleet being here this year?

DEMAR DEROZAN: I feel like a proud father right now. I feel old. I remember the first day he came. I remember going to his G League games, D League games, whatever, every chance I got. I remember driving out there watching him play, and to see him sitting here with the All-Star jersey, being a father, it makes me feel old, but at the same time as a friend it's something that I'm most proud of to be able to share relationships and be sitting here in this moment with him.

Q. Did you think he could eventually be an All-Star?

DEMAR DEROZAN: Yeah, it's a testament to him. I told him a year ago. I told him, you're going to get in it, don't worry about it. I told him that over and over. I told him a month, two months ago that he was going to be an All-Star, so for me it's not surprising because I see it in him. I know how hard he works. I know what he does in a game, I know his impact on a game, and it's right that he's sitting here.

Q. Have you had time to unwind a bit from the first part of the season?

DEMAR DEROZAN: No, I think my pause will come after the season where we just lock down and reevaluate the last eight months of anything. That's how I kind of look at it. I try to be the person that lives in the moment and just keep going whether it feels good or bad and not letting it get me down, just keep going.

Q. How special is it to play for a storied franchise like the Bulls?

DEMAR DEROZAN: Historically I understand the history behind the Chicago Bulls. To be able to put on a jersey and represent a great organization, being able to represent on the biggest stage during the season, it's awesome. It's something that's a dream come true. Everything else I can't explain it, I think it's just -- I think I'm just haunted by the ghost that's in the United Center, that we're able to go out here and perform every single night.