Onuralp Bitim: 'DeMar told me that he was proud of me, that means a lot' / News - Basketnews.com

Onuralp Bitim debuted in his first official game for the Chicago Bulls after the team converted his two-way contract into a standard deal.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix

Today was a special day for Onuralp Bitim, who played his first official game as a full member of the Chicago Bulls against the Cleveland Cavaliers in what was an overtime win of 132-123.

Chicago Bulls / Schedule

Chicago Bulls Boston Celtics112-129 New Orleans Pelicans Chicago Bulls106-114 Chicago Bulls Detroit Pistons95-105 Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers132-123 Chicago Bulls Milwaukee BucksSat03:00 Sacramento Kings Chicago BullsTue03:00 Utah Jazz Chicago Bulls03-0702:00

Bitim had a solid debut, scoring 10 points on 3/4 field goal shooting and grabbing 6 rebounds in 28 minutes with a plus-minus statistic of +16.

In his post-game remarks, the Turkish international was all sorts of psyched to be there, which was a long-time dream for him.

"I really can't describe how I really feel, but it's not about my English, even [in] my own language, because I was dreaming of this moment for a really long time," stated Bitim gleefully. "I was trying to be ready."

My teammates were really helping me, my coaches... I knew the chance would come, but you just never know when. We, as the players, need to be ready, physically and mentally, and I tried my best to stay ready," he said.

Since this was the first time Bitim was playing on a standard deal, he was asked if he was nervous or not.

"When I stepped on the court, I was not nervous because that's what I do; we are basketball players. I was just excited. I was feeling unbelievable.

"DeMar [DeRozan] told me that he was proud of me, and that means a lot to me. I grew up watching him; he's one of my idols. We were on the court together, we won together, and then, hearing that verse from him... It's really a huge blessing," Bitim said.

"From him, from Vooch [Nikola Vucevic], like everybody, they were talking to me in the game, after the game. I am really very lucky I have teammates and coaches like them," the Turkish forward expressed gratitude.

Before converting his two-way contract with the Bulls into a three-year deal worth $4.6 million, with the first year guaranteed and the others not, Bitim appeared frequently with the Windy City Bulls in the NBA G-League.

Over there, the Turkish international averaged 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

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