On Wednesday night, DeMar DeRozan made history and he put on a show as he exploded for 29 points in a losing effort to the Golden State Warriors. However, in the process, he surpassed Chris Bosh to become the all-time leading scorer of the Toronto Raptors. Let’s look at DeMar DeRozan’s career up to this point.
Photo credit via Business Insider
Improving
The Raptors selected DeMar DeRozan number 9th overall from the USC in the 2009 NBA Draft. Looking back at the NBA Draft there was only three superstars minus DeRozan such as Blake Griffin James Harden and Stephen Curry. However, nobody imagined that Stephen Curry would be an NBA MVP and NBA Champion this fast in his legendary career so far. I was skeptical at first with the selection I knew he was a good player but it would just take some time to development his overall game. DeRozan rookie season, was a difficult time because he needed to get adjusted to the game and use to a new country.
If you take a look at his career he has constantly improved in points every season. This year by far is his best season yet averaging career-high numbers in every category. DeRozan is currently averaging 27.5 PPG 5.3 RPG 4.1 APG. Now going into this season DeRozan was provided with extra motivation courtesy of the Sports Illustrated ranking him #46 out of 100 players on the list. DeRozan silenced the critics as he exploded to start the season 10 out of 12 games he averaged 30 points. DeMar DeRozan joined exclusive company since the 1963-64 season, only five others players have scored 30 or more points in 10 of the first 12 games of a season.
Exclusive company
DeRozan, 2016-17.
Michael Jordan 1986-87.
Alex English 1985-86.
Tiny Archibald 1972-73.
Rick Barry 1966-67.
Photo credit via NBA
Loyalty
Loyalty is a rare world that only a few individuals keep their world in society let alone in sports. DeRozan proved in the offseason that he has adopted a new country as his new home. There was heavy speculation that DeRozan would sign with the Los Angles Lakers. However, he put that rumor to bed when he only took a meeting with the Toronto Raptors he signed a max deal that was a five-year deal worth 139 Million. DeRozan had to suffer a lot before him and the Raptors could taste success. This would be in large part because he was never surrounded by a quality overall team for years. Chris Bosh decided to leave in the 2010 offseason and he took his to talents to South Beach and the Miami Heat.
The Raptors start to taste constant success as soon as they acquired Kyle Lowry. Toronto drafted other quality pieces such as Terrance Ross and Jonas Valanciunas as they look to start to build a quality nucleus. In addition, President Masai Ujiri worked his magic to acquired players. Ujiri best work was when he managed to finally get rid of Andrea Bargnani.
Photo credit via Toronto Sun
Keeping it basic
Growing up in Compton DeRozan idolized Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Bryant was his mentor as he grew up, therefore, he implemented Kobe’s game in his own game. DeRozan relies heavily on his mid-range jumper and getting to the free throw line to score the majority of his points. This is refreshing because now the majority of players in the NBA lives and dies off of three point game. However, DeRozan has kept an old school vibe to his overall game even though it’s not exciting very effective.
Photo credit via Raptors Republic
Legacy
When it’s all said and done DeRozan will hold every Raptors record in franchise history. For years, Raptor fans first player that came to their minds was the iconic Vince Carter but DeRozan is changing that perception one game at a time.
The stats were provided courtesy NBA
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