DeMar DeRozan Sets the NBA Record for Most Minutes Played by a Player This Season

In a season characterized by fluctuations in performance, Chicago Bulls’ standout DeMar DeRozan has emerged as a reliable asset for the team. Despite challenges posed by injuries to Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball, the 34-year-old has shouldered the responsibility of leading the squad throughout most of the season.

With the weight of this duty squarely on his shoulders, DeRozan logged an impressive 2,984 minutes of playtime this season, surpassing any other player in the NBA. Notably, this feat marks the highest number of minutes contributed by any player in a single season during the 2020s.

In the 2023-24 season, DeMar DeRozan appeared in 79 games, averaging 37.8 minutes per game. However, this fell slightly short of his career best, which he achieved while playing for the Toronto Raptors during the 2013-14 season, where he averaged 38.2 minutes per game.

According to statistics from the NBA website, the former USC Trojan showcased a strong performance, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive numbers, DeRozan missed out on his eighth All-Star game appearance, likely due to a competitive Eastern Conference roster rather than a decline in his play.

DeMar DeRozan to Lead the Bulls Against the Hawks in Play-In Tournament

After the conclusion of the 2023–24 regular season, the Chicago Bulls secured the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference standings, positioning themselves for a potential trip to the postseason via the play-in tournament. Their next matchup is set for Wednesday, April 17, against the Atlanta Hawks at home in the United Center.

Should they emerge victorious in this crucial contest, they will advance to face the winner of the other play-in game between the Miami Heat and the Philadelphia 76ers, vying for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

DeMar DeRozan serves as an exemplary figure for athletes at all levels due to his remarkable achievement of leading the NBA in minutes played at 34 years old, coupled with his strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to the game. Despite facing challenges such as injuries to key players like Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams, DeRozan shouldered a significant workload for the Bulls. Chicago managed to overcome these obstacles, thanks in large part to DeRozan’s versatility and consistent availability throughout the season.