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Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan’s season ends on a personal high

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 17: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors keeps an eye on the shot clock against the Washington Wizards in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 NBA Play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 17, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Wizards 130-119. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DeMar DeRozan
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 17: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors keeps an eye on the shot clock against the Washington Wizards in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 NBA Play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 17, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Wizards 130-119. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DeMar DeRozan /
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Toronto Raptors’ four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan was named to the All-NBA Second Team for the first time in his career on Thursday.

The Toronto Raptors‘ season ended in extremely disappointing circumstances, courtesy of a second-round sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers. And chief among those receiving the blame was DeMar DeRozan, who only managed 21 points total during Games 3 and 4.

As a result, the narrative remains that DeRozan is not a big-time player and isn’t capable of stepping up in crunch time during the playoffs. Further, there has even been speculation the Raptors should look to trade him.

Regardless of whether you agree with this or not, at least the 28-year-old’s season ended on a personal high on Thursday. As confirmed by the NBA, the shooting guard has been named to the All-NBA Second Team.

This marks the first time in DeRozan’s nine-year career that he has received the honour. And no matter how his season finished, it alludes to his continued development as a player.

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In that respect, this was arguably the four-time NBA All-Star’s most well-rounded season yet in the league. In particular, his efficiency was helped by an improvement in his 3-point shooting and a career-best 5.2 assists per game.

As per Sportsnet‘s Dave Zarum, DeRozan becomes just the third Raptors in franchise history to be named to the All-NBA Second team, along with Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. In addition, DeRozan joins Carter as the only players in team history to earn several All-NBA selections. (He was named All-NBA Third Team last season.)

The 2009 ninth overall draft pick received 39 Second Team votes in total. He also received two First Team votes and 38 Third Team votes.

DeRozan made sure to thank everyone, by releasing a statement. As per the Canadian Press, via the Toronto Star, he said:

"“Being recognized among an elite group of my peers is always rewarding. Knowing where I started and the work I’ve put in each year to improve makes this even more humbling.”"

DeRozan is an extremely likeable player within the Toronto sports scene among fans and media alike, which takes some doing. Everyone appreciates how loyal he has been to the Raptors, how hard he works and how respectful he is towards people.

As such, this award is satisfying for everyone concerned. Yes, the Compton, California native wasn’t there when the team needed him most in the playoffs, but it doesn’t change the impact he’s had during his time in Southern Ontario.

DeRozan has helped the Raptors enjoy their most successful and consistent period in franchise history. And this season saw the team (again) set a record for regular season wins, while securing their first ever number one seed.

Whether this is enough to convince Masai Ujiri to keep DeRozan around is another matter altogether. For now though, try to take some enjoyment from the personal accolade he earned on Thursday.

Next: Is DeRozan finished in Toronto?

What is your overall opinion of DeRozan’s play this season? Do you want him to stick around, or should the Toronto Raptors look to trade him after his disappointing performances during the postseason? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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