By JAY COHEN
AP Sports activities Author
CHICAGO (AP) — Bulls heart Andre Drummond missed Chicago’s sport Friday night time in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers after posting on Twitter that he would delete his social media apps to deal with his psychological well being.
Drummond was dominated out for private causes, in accordance with the Bulls. Coach Billy Donovan stated he is hopeful about Drummond touring with the staff earlier than Friday night time’s sport in Charlotte.
“As we come right here and play, there’s additionally a human aspect, a private aspect to all these guys,” Donovan stated, “and you are feeling dangerous when somebody goes via one thing like that. I believe you attempt to give as a lot help as you’ll be able to.”
Drummond, 29, is in his first 12 months with Chicago and his eleventh NBA season total. The 2-time All-Star posted on tuesday that he was deleting his apps and altering his quantity.
“Time to deal with my psychological well being,” Drummond wrote. “If you’re additionally struggling together with your psychological well being, you aren’t alone…it’s okay to ask for assist.”
Drummond is averaging 6.1 factors and 6.7 rebounds in 62 video games for the Bulls in a reserve function. He had 11 factors and eight rebounds throughout Monday night time’s 124-112 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Typically when folks have a look at these guys and see them play and see these NBA gamers, stars, all these different issues and all the things that comes with it, my God, their lives should be completely excellent,” he stated. Donovan. “and they don’t seem to be. We’re all faulty. All of us have challenges. All of us have points and issues all of us must take care of.”
Bulls star DeMar DeRozan, who has been open about his personal battle with despair and psychological well being points, stated he plans to provide Drummond his house whereas additionally letting him know he is there for him.
“We love this sport. We play this sport. This sport has been good for all of us,” DeRozan stated. “However in the long run you need to fear and maintain your self firstly.”
DeRozan’s honesty about his issues has led him to frequent encounters with individuals who have expressed gratitude for his candor about his psychological well being. Donovan stated a person in Toronto approached him this season to thank DeRozan, and the participant later hung out with the person.
“Moments like that to me are greater than enjoying a basketball sport, a paycheck, I imply, no matter, man,” DeRozan stated. “There’s simply one thing about it that claims quite a bit when somebody’s story will help another person and once I actually see it, it touched me in a unique form of gentle. It is nothing however appreciation and exhibits a unique form of empathy that I want all of us had.”
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Observe Jay Cohen at https://twitter.com/jcohenap
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