The miracle of DeMar DeRozan

He's never really changed. The context around him has.

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

Primavera, Sandro Botticelli, 1482

DeMar DeRozan never really changed. Long criticized in Toronto for being an old-school two-guard who took lots of mid-range twos and not enough threes for the modern NBA, DeRozan still isn’t taking all that many deep shots. His three-point rate — the percentage of field goal attempts that come from beyond the arc — is currently half that of Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo and a third of that of Nikola Jokic. Nothing about his shot profile is remarkably different than what he’s done throughout his career: lots more mid-range jumpers than shots in the paint or threes, not too many free throws.

He’s also not more efficient than ever. His current 60.1% True Shooting percentage is just below his 60.3% mark two years ago in San Antonio. Those Spurs were not very good and DeRozan existed more as a source of debate than someone to marvel at. But who DeRozan is now? That was him in San Antonio, that was largely him in Toronto.

The miracle of DeMar DeRozan is that he hasn’t really changed anything about his game. The circumstances around him have changed. The context of his performance has changed. And because of that, and because he’s stayed true to his abilities and skills, and because he’s a famously tireless worker and consummate professional and beloved teammate and sturdy leader, everything that DeMar DeRozan is and has been is finding a place walking with the gods of basketball.

Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls

DeMar DeRozan has broken Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive games with 35+ points on 50% or better shooting.

Amid breaking records held by Wilt Chamberlain, DeRozan is in incredible company in the NBA this season. There are six players average 25 points per game with 60% or better True Shooting: Giannis, Embiid, Durant, LeBron, Jokic and DeRozan. That’s a damn MVP ballot, folks. And DeRozan has earned his spot in the club, and then some.

For so much of DeRozan’s career analysts have focused on what he was not. Respect who he is and what he can do. The Bulls sure did, and look at them now.