DeMar DeRozan Enters Protocol After Being Named East Player Of Week

Bulls guard/forward DeMar DeRozan has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

This news never comes at a good time, as players who enter the protocol must sit out at least 10 days or return two negative tests in a 24-hour span. But it’s an especially big blow for the Bulls, as DeRozan is having an All-Star season, and as Wojnarowski noted, was just named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

DeRozan, 32, is 6-foot-6 and averaging 26.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 24 games in his first season in Chicago. He is the fourth Bulls player to enter the protocol this season.

Per Wojnarowski, it’s unclear exactly how long DeRozan will be out, though he is out for sure for the Bulls’ game against the Nuggets on Monday.

“It’s obviously a big blow in the short term for a much-improved team that owns a 16-8 record,” wrote Dana Gauruder of Hoops Rumors.

DeRozan is ruled out tonight vs. Denver, but it's unclear how much longer he will be out for the Bulls. DeRozan will need to show two consecutive negative PCR tests in 24 hours, or be isolated for at least 10 days. Team has now announced DeRozan's entry into protocols. https://t.co/Bds1QpdUPh

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 6, 2021