DeMar DeRozan addresses important issue in new book

DeMar DeRozan’s future with the Chicago Bulls will be decided this offseason, as they will either have to let him walk for nothing in free agency, orchestrate an unlikely sign-and-trade or re-up his deal at a steep price. 

This is the biggest problem facing the Bulls this summer, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s nothing compared to some of the things people face in real life, even millionaires with legions of fans. 

One of those problems will be addressed in DeMar DeRozan’s upcoming book, which he announced via Twitter: 

DeMar DeRozan’s new book “Above the Noise” 

DeRozan’s book, which was co-written by Dave Zarum, chronicles his life and his own battles with mental health and depression, something he hopes will help other young men get the help they need. 

"As men, and especially Black men, we don’t talk about our mental health enough. We struggle to admit when things aren’t okay, even when it’s obvious to everybody around us. I’ve seen how toxic that can become. I’ve experienced it myself, keeping everything under wraps until your head and heart are full of fire and rage."

This is an important topic, and one that has come more to the forefront in recent years, when athletes like Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Micheal Phelps and Ricky Rubio had very public struggles with mental health that they later spoke about. 

But it’s still a taboo topic in some communities, something that DeRozan addresses in his book. 

DeRozan, who is a six time All Star, might be the most high-profile NBA player to talk about his struggles with mental health and depression, which should encourage others to do the same. 

It’s an important topic in the modern world, especially for someone who would seem to have it all on the surface, making it very easy to overlook or downplay his ordeal. 

This isn’t DeMar’s first time speaking about this topic, as he also hosts Dinners with DeMar in which he talks with other NBA players about the topic of mental health. 

You can preorder his book at all of the usual places, and it will be released in September 2024.