DeMar DeRozan argues “he’d never be a villain in Toronto”, ahead of TRIVIAL elimination game vs Raptors
DeMar DeRozan returns to Toronto for play-in game with Bulls
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DeMar DeRozan (Via Twitter)
DeMar DeRozan will always have a special bond with Toronto. The former Raptors star, who spent nine seasons with the franchise and became its all-time leading scorer, said he would never be seen as a villain in the city that welcomed him as a young player.
But on Wednesday night, DeRozan will have to put his feelings aside and focus on his current team, the Chicago Bulls, who are facing the Raptors in a do-or-die play-in tournament game.
The Bulls, finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-42 record. DeRozan, who signed with Chicago as a free agent last summer, has been their leading scorer with 24.5 points per game on 50.4% shooting. The Raptors, who finished ninth with a 41-41 record, are hoping to extend their playoff streak.
“That was home for me. It was everything for me,” DeRozan said. “The way they embraced me, everything. Even if I tried to, it’s nothing I could ever possibly say was wrong with Canada — other than getting double-taxed.”
DeRozan knows what it’s like to play in front of the passionate Toronto crowd. He spent nine seasons with the Raptors, leading them to five division titles and a trip to the conference finals. He’s also familiar with the high stakes of a do-or-die game. But on Wednesday night, he’ll be on the other side of the fence, trying to spoil his former team’s playoff hopes in the Play-In Tournament.
DeRozan said he’ll joke with his teammates about the unbelievable atmosphere they’ll face at Scotiabank Arena, but he also respects the fans and the challenge they present. He’s not ready to go home yet, and he expects a battle from the Raptors.
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How DeMar DeRozan made history with the Raptors?
DeRozan is arguably one of the greatest players in Raptors’ history. He ranks first in franchise history in games played (675), points (13,296), field goals made (4,716) and free throws made (3,539). He also ranks second in assists (2,078), third in steals (655) and fourth in rebounds (2,962).
DeMar was a four-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection and the winner of the 2017-18 Magic Johnson Award for excellence on the court and cooperation with the media and public. He helped the Raptors win four Atlantic Division titles and reach their first Eastern Conference finals in 2016, where they lost to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games.
DeRozan also formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Lowry, who remains his best friend in the league. The two have spoken highly of each other over the years and have supported each other through their career highs and lows.
DeRozan said he still keeps in touch with Lowry and other former teammates like Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. He said he’s happy for their success and proud of their growth. “I’m always rooting for them,” he said. “I’m always happy for them. I’m always watching them.”
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Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)