CHICAGO — In a heartwarming display of gratitude, DeMar DeRozan raised his arms and waved to the enthusiastic crowd after a touching video tribute played during a timeout, showcasing his impactful moments with the Bulls.

On Sunday, the six-time All-Star made a highly anticipated comeback in Chicago. He delivered an impressive performance, scoring 21 points in the Sacramento Kings’ 124-119 victory over the Bulls, which allowed the Kings to extend their remarkable win streak to seven games—an achievement that highlights their growing momentum this season.

“From the very first moment I arrived here, I dedicated myself completely to this organization and the city,” DeRozan expressed. “That commitment was evident. You can’t fake genuine passion when you’re fully invested in representing the Bulls. My time here truly embodied the Chicago culture—every aspect of it. When fans witness that level of dedication, they reciprocate with authentic admiration.”

Before signing an $85 million contract with the Bulls ahead of the 2021-22 season, DeRozan spent nine seasons in Toronto and three seasons in San Antonio. Although this was not his first homecoming, the emotional weight of returning to Chicago was palpable, and while it may not have equaled the excitement of his inaugural game against the Raptors, it was undeniably a significant and heartfelt reunion.

DeRozan mentioned he approached his time with the Bulls with “a renewed ambition.” He quickly earned recognition as an All-Star in both of his initial seasons with the team. Notably, he made history as the first NBA player to sink buzzer-beaters on consecutive days, achieving this remarkable feat with game-winning three-pointers against Indiana on December 31, 2021, and against Washington the following day.

However, DeRozan’s influence transcended his scoring ability; he often executed impressive head fakes that left defenders in awe. Beyond his on-court prowess, he was a mentor and a big brother figure in the locker room, particularly to younger players like Patrick Williams, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu. DeRozan made it a point to host these young talents in Los Angeles during the offseason for rigorous training sessions and quality family time.

“Seeing someone at his level put in the effort he does during the summer made me question my own dedication,” Williams reflected. “It forced me to ask myself if this is truly what I want to pursue. If I aspire to be the best, I have to match that level of commitment. There’s nothing else to discuss. I’m grateful to him for demonstrating what it means to strive for excellence.”

Bulls coach Billy Donovan praised DeRozan’s unique leadership style, comparing him to Chris Paul, who played under Donovan in Oklahoma City. “They both lead in their own distinctive ways,” Donovan noted. “The essence of leadership lies in authenticity; each player must remain true to themselves. While many have gleaned invaluable insights from DeMar, they also need to forge their own paths rather than simply trying to emulate him.”

DeRozan affectionately refers to the younger players as his “sons,” highlighting the deep bond he shares with them.

“They will always be my sons,” he said. “Witnessing their growth and maturity means everything to me. Even our conversations now carry significant weight because the mutual respect we have will last forever.”

On Sunday, the respect shown towards DeRozan was evident throughout the arena.

“It was truly special to return to a place where I was loved and appreciated,” he shared. “My three-year stint here felt like a decade. I cherished every moment spent here. Engaging in friendly banter with my former teammates and connecting with the fans was genuinely enjoyable. It was definitely a memorable experience.”