Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan can learn a lot from USA Basketball

If he hasn’t realized already, the Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan will see that being the best means tireless work. Greatness isn’t enough – the players he’ll share the court with strive for perfection.

You are the product of your environment. That’s the reason mom didn’t want you hanging out with Jesse from chemistry class.

The people you encounter on a daily basis have a direct impact on who you are as a person, implicitly or explicitly. It’s how you develop your accent and slang, but it also impacts how you grow.

Excellence begets excellence, the best only surround themselves with the best. By will of establishing themselves as the standout from the bunch, they push each other to their absolute limits.

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DeMar DeRozan, by his stellar play this year, has finally found himself within that circle of the best of the best. The USA National team is conducting training camp and scrimmages for those who have been invited to participate in the 2016 Rio Olympics and it looks like a party on hardwood.

Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, DeAndre Jordan and Paul George are just some of the names featured on this star-studded USA team and DeRozan is within the ranks. Within teams on any scale there are references to teammates becoming close friends and developing habits from each other and this is a prime time for the Toronto Raptors‘ shooting guard.

The work ethic and dedication Klay Thompson has towards his jump shooting is to be admired – he was caught putting up 100 shots after practice. It wasn’t done as any sort of display, he was genuinely trying to sink them all.

Thompson is a premier shooter in the league, but he didn’t get to that point by just training with his team – he puts in extra work a frequent basis. He’s a NBA champion, one of the greatest shooters of all time with nothing to left to prove.

The 26-year old has broken numerous records, but is still willing to continuously work at his craft, even though it looks like he’s mastered it. Being so close to a work horse like him, makes everyone else around him more apt to push themselves.

If DeRozan hasn’t realized it already, he will see that being the best means tireless work. Greatness isn’t great enough, the players he’ll share the court with strive for perfection.

Jul 20, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA guard DeMar DeRozan (9) takes a shot during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rapotors’ two-time All-Star considers Kobe Bryant his idol. Kobe’s most prolific attribute was his absolute work ethic.

Bryant identified his weaknesses and consistently worked on them, until they were strengths. On this USA National Team, DeRozan will have the chance to play defense with Jordan.

The Los Angeles Clippers All-Star centre also happens to be their defensive anchor. He is constantly barking out orders, especially “ICE!” in sideline screen and roll situations.

DeRozan is a liability on defense, but it’s not due to lack of physical limitations – his principles are bad. He dies on screens and is absent-minded when off the ball.

Spending time with people as savvy as Jordan and George can allow the 26-year old to learn through osmosis. If he keeps getting exposed in certain ways, his teammates will be able to guide him though his mistakes.

Authority figures can only provide so much advice. Eventually, players will turn to each other for assistance and there will be a plethora of help.

All players see the floor differently, whether they are looking for passing lanes, shooting pockets or seams to the rim. This crop of USA basketball brings a very unique set of players to the table.

Green is a 6 ft 7 playmaking power forward who can guard every position, while Durant is a 7 ft tall scoring forward with the ball handling ability of a guard.

Jordan and DeMarcus Cousins don’t just fall off the truck either. DeRozan will be receiving passes from angles he won’t be used to and will have more options to pass than ever.

The 2009 ninth overall draft pick will be subject to roster combinations he has never been a part of before and will put him in positions he’s never been in before. These new combinations will force him to look at the game in different ways.

Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA guard DeMar DeRozan (9) moves with the ball during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raptors never run fast breaks directly off rebounds, but now with Green, DeRozan will be able to rediscover the fastbreak in different ways. Pick n’ roll alley oops will be abundant (if DeRozan ever passes out of the pick and roll) with Jordan available.

Cousins will also provide a true post threat the Compton, California native has never worked with. Cousins’ post ups will give much-needed experience on working off the ball with other players’ back to the basket (*Cough* Jonas Valanciunas *cough*).

This time on the USA National team should be a time of serious humility and learning for DeRozan. If he can capitalize the incubator he has been put in, he could come out as a significantly improved player, with a new perspective on the basketball court.

Next: Raptors Podcast - Summer League, Depth Chart & Future Outlook

Due to turn 27 in August, he is going to start falling off his athletic peak soon. However, with newly acquired knowledge and determination, he still has plenty of time to make inroads and become a better basketball player through the next few years.

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