DeMar DeRozan Receives NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for March
DeMar DeRozan, the star guard-forward for the Chicago Bulls, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions off the court by being named the recipient of the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for March. DeRozan’s dedication to advocating for mental health awareness and supporting the youth in Chicago has not gone unnoticed, as the NBA announced this prestigious honor for him.
One of DeRozan’s most impactful initiatives is the “Dinners with DeMar” video series, where he hosts discussions on mental health with current and former players over dinner. This series, which has garnered over 425,000 views on YouTube, aims to destigmatize mental health challenges through open dialogue. Draymond Green, a participant in the series, commended DeRozan for his commitment to fostering transparency and understanding around these important issues.
In addition to his work on mental health advocacy, DeRozan has also been actively involved in supporting Chicago’s youth. He recently partnered with Make-A-Wish to provide a VIP experience for a child and their family, including a meet and greet with the Bulls team and courtside seats to a game. Earlier in the year, he hosted a young Bulls fan and cancer survivor along with their family on the team plane for an away game.
DeRozan’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the community, as he has collaborated with Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health (CHHAMH), a non-profit organization in Chicago offering free therapy to those facing financial barriers. A representative from CHHAMH expressed gratitude for DeRozan’s support in providing mental health resources to the community.
DeRozan will be officially honored as the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award recipient during the pre-game ceremony of the Apr. 17 Hawks-Bulls NBA Play-In Tournament game. The award, which is presented monthly, recognizes players who exemplify a commitment to positively impacting their communities. DeRozan will receive the David Robinson trophy and the NBA will contribute $10,000 to Coffee, Hip-Hop and Mental Health, further supporting his impactful work in the community.