In light of the Chicago Bulls’ depletion of their roster due to injuries, coach Billy Donovan is adopting a cautious approach to managing the playing time of star player DeMar DeRozan. With key players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic sidelined for an extended period, DeRozan has emerged as the primary focal point for the team, leading to an increase in his minutes on the court.
Despite facing uncertainties and external pressures regarding his future, DeRozan remains steadfast in his commitment to the Chicago Bulls, displaying a professional demeanor and embracing his role as a leader within the team. However, concerns have arisen about how DeRozan will sustain his motivation, particularly given the absence of key teammates.
Currently, DeRozan boasts an average playing time of 36.6 minutes per game, making him the team leader in minutes played and positioning him within the Top 6 league-wide. Acknowledging the potential risks associated with this heavy workload, Donovan expresses concern about the increased minutes and emphasizes the need to be mindful of DeRozan’s physical condition.
In the last 10 games, DeRozan has played 40 minutes or more in five instances, prompting Donovan to acknowledge the importance of communication with the player regarding his capabilities. The coach recognizes the precarious situation created by the absence of key players and emphasizes the need for younger talents on the team to step up.
While DeRozan remains a crucial asset, Donovan highlights the necessity of distributing playing time strategically to mitigate the risk of injuries and ensure the team’s overall resilience. Alongside established players like Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu, Donovan identifies Dalen Terry and Julian Philips as viable options to contribute fresh energy and output as the team’s emerging talents.
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