Toronto Raptors: Demar Derozan has a New Fire in his Game

Demar Derozan is definitely showing Sports Illustrated and the NBA that he’s for real, averaging a league-leading 34.1 points after seven games and doing it efficiently for the Toronto Raptors.

DeMar DeRozan has shown positive growth throughout each year he has been in the NBA. He’s now 27 and seems to have a new fire in his game, after receiving the second-largest contract in NBA history.

DeRozan’s been criticized for his lack of clutchness (I am very guilty of that myself). However, I think most can agree he is one of the best players to ever put on the Toronto Raptors jersey.

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I would even go as far as saying he is the best Raptor ever, since he is a big reason why they made it to the Conference Finals and won two games in the best-of-seven series. Though what I appreciate about him most is his loyalty to this city, a trait other Toronto stars lacked.

The only two players that really compare to Derozan in terms of skill, are Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. While it’s true that Bosh has, so far, had a greater career than DeRozan as a Raptor, DeMar takes the cheese.

DD had the chance to flee home this summer to Compton or anywhere that isn’t Canada for that matter, but he chose to stay in Toronto. Yes, he got insane money which without a doubt helped influence his decision, but after losing Carter and Bosh in the past, we have to be satisfied that another star didn’t end up leaving.

DeRozan ranks second in most points ever scored by a Raptor, just behind Bosh. He is certain to pass him this season, especially with how he’s been scoring. (He’s only a few hundred points behind.)

The two-time All-Star was fairly outspoken about getting the short end of the stick, after being ranked the 46th-best player in the NBA by SI.com. That news certainly expanded a fire within him that was already lit, with the beneficiary of his incredible response being the fans of Toronto.

Nov 2, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) is fouled while shooting the ball by Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 10 wants a championship, so he already had extraordinary goals coming into the 2016-17 campaign. After coming so close to the NBA finals, only to be eliminated by the Eastern Conference favourites, the Cleveland Cavaliers, he certainly wanted another shot.

DeRozan’s definitely showing Sports Illustrated and the NBA that he’s for real. After seven games, he’s averaging a league-leading 34.1 points per game and has done it efficiently.

The 2009 ninth overall draft pick’s shooting 53.25 percent from the field and has made 57 of 70 free throw attempts – that’s 10 free throw attempts a game at over 81 percent. I don’t think anyone was expecting the California native to come out this strong.

DeRozan’s scored over 30 points in six of those seven games and he’s also hit three third quarter buzzer beaters (from what I’ve seen). I only remember him doing that once last year.

With some of his teammates struggling with their shot and a couple of early season key injuries, the Raptors are certainly still far from winning a championship. However, the team has the entire season to find their groove.

Should they get hot at the right time and DD continues to play elite basketball, there is no limit to what the Raps can achieve. They may even defeat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series.

Next: DeMar DeRozan, the Mid-Range Dynamo

Let us know what you think of Demar Derozan this season in the comments section below. Is he the real deal, or is he just off to a hot start that will eventually cool down?

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