AFTER eight fruitful years in the NBA, Luol Deng is finally recognized as a star, an All-Star that is.
The 6-foot-6 Chicago Bulls forward was announced as a member of this year's Eastern Conference All-Star team on Thursday night. He joins teammate Derrick Rose in the Feb 25 All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida, marking the first time since 1997 that two Bulls will represent the franchise in the annual exhibition.
Deng's averages this season aren't exactly eye-popping, 16 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, but he is arguably the team's best player behind Rose, the reigning NBA MVP. Deng's versatility is a big reason why the Bulls are currently on top of the East standings with a 20-6 won-lost slate.
"Lu's play speaks for itself. He plays great defense. He plays a great floor game. He moves without the ball. He makes the extra pass. You can't measure his impact statistically. I know what he brings. I know all the coaches and all his teammates appreciate everything that he does, " said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.
Now 26 years young, Deng entered the NBA via the 2004 NBA draft. He has since appeared in 506 NBA regular season games averaging 16 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per.
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