Former Duke star Luol Deng learned Thursday he'd been selected for his first All-Star Game. That would have been a thrill no matter what, but Deng found it special because of all he's been through.
Trade rumors. Injuries. Frustration with missing a memorable playoff series against the Boston Celtics. Even speculation he was a malingerer for not playing on a stress fracture that postseason.
All that toughened up Deng, now in his eighth NBA season.
"When I had the stress fracture and had to watch one of the best (playoff) series with Boston," Deng said of his low point in the spring of 2009. "To know I'm on that team but I couldn't dress up and play. And then to sit there reading everything: The papers, the fans, saying that I wasn't really hurt.
"Before I felt like I was loved by everyone. Throughout my life I never experienced that hate, or whatever it was."
Deng is now an All-Star, playing for the best team in the Eastern Conference. He's averaging 16 points and 7.3 rebounds playing alongside the reigning MVP, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.
But it wasn't that long ago that Deng was a commodity. The Bulls were in the hunt for LeBron James, along with numerous other teams, and the prospect of throwing Deng into a trade was a constant source of speculation.
Deng became adept at tuning it out.
"I never got caught up in, 'If I leave, what happens then?' " Deng said. "I concentrated on, 'How do I get better as a player?' "
He has gotten better, as have the Bulls.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
Wednesday night’s NBA draft lottery is about luck, numbers and destiny. 
The Charlotte Bobcats did everything wrong last season. And they might not be rewarded for it. 
After the worst season in NBA history, the Charlotte Bobcats could use a player such as Anthony Davis. 
Former NBA star Dennis Rodman might soon find himself working with at-risk teens or cleaning up streets. 
For nine minutes, the Boston Celtics were vintage. Everything was working, points were coming in bunches, the Miami crowd was rendered quiet and a big deficit disappeared. 
The Boston Celtics have bigger issues than being upset about a perceived slight. 
Wednesday night the NBA distributes its top three picks in the annual draft lottery. Following a 7-59 season, the worst by winning percentage in league history, the Charlotte Bobcats will have a 25 percent chance at the top pick, undoubtedly Kentucky’s Anthony Davis. Keep up with the latest sports stories with our free e-mail newsletters, delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Hurricanes - it's free!
Subscribe to College Sports - it's free!
Subscribe to Duke - it's free!
Subscribe to ECU - it's free!
Subscribe to NCSU - it's free!
Subscribe to UNC - it's free!
Subscribe to Wake Forest - it's free!
Subscribe to Preps - it's free!
