DeMar DeRozan talks expectations for Bulls, compares them to his Toronto days / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

One of the newest additions to the Chicago Bulls, DeMar DeRozan, is going into his 13th year in the NBA. The 32-year-old talked to the Chicago Sun Times about the expectations on this new Bulls team and compared them to his days in Toronto.

DeMar DeRozan

Position:SG, SFAge:32Height:201 cmWeight:99 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Even with the changes the Bulls underwent in the off-season, bringing in guys like Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso in addition to DeRozan, oddsmakers still project the Bulls to be a .500 team at best. However, that doesn't concern the experienced player.

"I never try to put too much thought on Vеgas or whoever comes up with the оdds they come up with because you don't know how hard we're working, how bad we want something, how much we are fighting for something. It's bigger than just somebody's predictions and how we are approaching it," DeRozan said.

"This is an opportunity for a talented group that has a chip on their shoulders. You kind of run faster when the dog is chasing behind you. That's the type of mentality we have to have going out there this season."

DeRozan said that he's been on teams in the past where the squad was counted out before the season began, referring to his time with the Toronto Raptors.

"I've been on teams where we were picked to be in the tank, and then we win 50 games and make it to the third seed in the Eastern Conference. I've heard it all. You can't indulge in it.

You can't let history depict what your future is going to be like. You just have to go out there and set the tone and take on the challenge. With this group of guys and the talent we have, everybody is willing to take on whatever that next challenge is."

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