In the 2021 free agency, DeRozan was one of the biggest names alongside his longtime friend Kyle Lowry. This meant that a new destination awaited the 32-year-old. But the Spurs were also moving to a new era and did not want to retain DeRozan in the 2021 off-season. While the mid-range continued to be his primary weapon to score the ball, his passing certainly was much better now as he had career highs in his playmaking numbers. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports But his game did change quite a lot with the Spurs, eventually.San Antonio, Texas, USA San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles in against New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Bledsoe (5) in the first half at the AT&T Center. Initially, DeRozan continued to put up his usual stats with the Spurs and even led them to appearances in the playoffs. But an opportunity to play under the guidance of Gregg Popovich was an enticing prospect nonetheless. DeMar DeRozan with the San Antonio SpursĪfter being traded away from Toronto, DeRozan certainly wasn't impressed with a move to away from the Raptors. With their championship window dwindling, the Raptors made a drastic and polarizing decision as they traded off DeRozan to the Spurs and brought in Kawhi Leonard instead. But this success did not translate in the post-season. With the duo DeRozan and Lowry about to hit their peak, the Raptors became a contender in the East yet again.ĭeRozan certainly was the star man of the show, averaging more than 20 points per game for four seasons in a row and leading the team to multiple top three finishes in the regular season. Like DeRozan, Lowry started off with middling stats but eventually gained confidence and saw a jump in his numbers as well. Over the next few years, the team brought in a second star in Kyle Lowry. Averaging 17.2 points, 1.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, his stats nearly doubled, and the franchise knew they had a star in hand. The forward's quality certainly showed up, as his statistics saw a massive jump. With a pick like DeRozan in their hands, the franchise took the chance on the sophomore and made him a starter. Losing their star, the Raptors found themselves in a rebuilding phase. Playing off of the bench, DeRozan became a decent rotational player chipping in with averages of 8.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game in 21 minutes of playtime.īut the departure of superstar Chris Bosh was certainly the biggest game changer for DeRozan and the Raptors organisation. While DeRozan was a lottery pick for the Raptors, unlike his peers, his playtime was limited. The 20-year-old ended up becoming the 9th lottery pick and was picked up by the Toronto Raptors. Coming up alongside the likes of Stephen Curry and James Harden, DeRozan's draft class was stacked, to say the least. Given his stats and his late step up in his only collegiate season, draft stock was high for the 20-year-old. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports won gold medals with Team USA at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and 2014 World Cup in Spain.Chicago, Illinois, USA Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of a preseason NBA game at United Center. receivedthe 2017-18 Magic Johnson Award, which honors the player who best combines excellence on the basketball court with cooperation and dignity in dealing with the media and the public. has appeared in 58postseason games, averaging 21.9points, 4.6rebounds,3.6 assists and1.08steals and 37.3minutes. has 381career 20-point games, including 10930-point outings and 14 40-point performances. averaging 19.9points, 4.3rebounds, 3.4assists and 34.1 minutes in 752career regular season games (740starts). participated in the Sprite Slam Dunk contest at the 20 NBA All-Star Weekend. named Eastern Conference Player of the week 10 times. has been named Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors three times (January, 2018, January, 2016 and April, 2015). one of nineplayers in the NBA to average 20+ points in eachof the last sixseasons. became the first player in Spurs franchise history to average 20-plus points, 5-plus rebounds and 5-plus assists over the course of a season in 2018-19. a four-time NBA All-Star, named a starter twice (2017, 2018) and a reserve for two All-Star Games (2014, 2016). a two-time All-NBA performer, named to the Second Team in 2018, and the Third Team in 2017. was originally drafted with the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Raptors. spent his first nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors. Is in his 11th NBA season, his secondwith the Spurs.
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