Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan Needs to Adjust How he Contributes

As DeMar DeRozan continues to struggle with his shot, he needs to adapt or it could ultimately cost the Toronto Raptors this series against the Indiana Pacers.

DeMar DeRozan has just completed arguably his best regular season, since being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2009. Unfortunately for his team, that form has yet to translate to the playoff stage – specifically with his shooting.

In two games against the Indiana Pacers, DeRozan is shooting .270 percent, and averaging just 12 points per contest. Compare this to the regular season, when he averaged a career-high 23.5 points per game, with a field goal percentage of .446.

In addition, the former ninth overall draft pick has averaged just three trips to the charity stripe against the Pacers, including none in game 2 – the first time that has happened to him this season. During his All-Star campaign, he averaged a career-high 8.4 free-throw attempts per contest, good enough for third-best in the NBA.

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Despite understandable concerns among Raptors fans, DeRozan doesn’t believe it’s anything to be worried about. He discussed his current shooting woes with ESPN’s Mike Mazzeo and the rest of the media on Tuesday, after practice.

DeRozan said: “I don’t think it’s the end of the world; we still won (Game 2). Once I get going and the shots start falling, it’s going to be a scary sight for whoever we play.”

What’s even more scary, is the thought of the 26-year old continuing to struggle, but refusing to acknowledge it. He led the Raptors in average attempts per game this season, albeit perfectly understandable as the team’s starting shooting guard.

Regardless, for all of DeRozan’s growth as a player this season, he needs to continue that development during the playoffs. This includes adapting and finding other ways to contribute to the team, rather than just trying to shoot his way out of his current scoring slump.

Certainly, Dwane Casey is of this opinion, as he told Mazzeo and the rest of the media: “He can’t just continue to keep forcing the issue and going in there and not getting the call and forcing that play.

“There are other things he can do: One is being a facilitator, and two is bringing it for us at the defensive end.”

Nov 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) and head coach Dwane Casey look on before the start of their game against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 104-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

In that respect, the Compton, California native has shown his ability to help out in other ways this season, evidenced by dishing out four dimes per game, while being good for a steal every contest. In addition, he averaged 4.5 boards, including 3.7 at the defensive end of the floor.

Some of DeRozan’s shooting struggles are understandable, especially with Paul George guarding him. However, he remains positive about how things have gone so far: “I just try to go out there, adjust, watch film and try to figure out other ways to get to the line and get easy buckets.

“That’s the beauty of the game. Not everything is going to go your way, but the best part is when you can make that adjustment next go-around.”

This adjustment includes being prepared to turn into a facilitator, if he continues to shoot poorly. The future of the Raptors hopes in this series against the Pacers may very well depend on it.

Next: Is DeRozan headed to Los Angeles next season?

What are you thoughts about DeRozan’s performance so far in this series? Furthermore, how do his shooting woes in the playoffs impact his ability to get a max deal, if and when he opts out of his current contract with the Raptors? Let us know in the comments section below.

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