“Absurd theory” – NBA fans diss DeMar DeRozan’s BOLD CLAIM about winning 2019 title for Raptors without Kawhi Leonard
While DeRozan is with the Chicago Bulls, Leonard is now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.
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DeMar DeRozan for the Toronto Raptors (Image via Tony Dejak/Associated Press)
The NBA 2018-19 season was one of the sweetest years for the Toronto Raptors. Clinching their first-ever NBA championship, they achieved a historic feat for their city and franchise. Moreover, they managed to beat the two-time defending champions, Golden State Warriors, in the finals. Although the Warriors had an injury plague during the series, the Raptors really dominated the finals. Kawhi Leonard was easily the pivotal factor for the Raptors. However, Leonard was traded in that season by Toronto at the expense of another star in DeMar DeRozan.
DeMar DeRozan had played for the Raptors for nine years up until their championship season. In fact, he was drafted by Toronto for his rookie season and grew to be one of the most prolific players for them. During his time with the Raptors, Toronto always fought hard for title contention, however, they always missed out. Ahead of the 2018-19 regular season, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. This was a rather historic move, as the Raptors found success in that very season.
DeMar DeRozan, who now plays for the Chicago Bulls, was talking to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith on live television. This is when Smith asked him about his views on Toronto’s 2019 Finals win. Smith asked DeRozan if he thought the Raptors could win a championship in 2019 if he had stayed and the Kawhi Leonard trade never happened. He also specifically pointed out that the Raptors had a great chance with LeBron James leaving the Eastern Conference too. To this, DeRozan replied in the affirmative.
“Most definitely. You know it sucks that we can’t see what could’ve happened with me still being there. That just changed the whole dynamic and everything. But I congratulated all of the guys for winning that championship,” he said.
How is NBA Twitter reacting to DeMar DeRozan’s bold claim
Fans on Twitter have always had a reputation to make rebuttals to any player’s views. DeMar DeRozan is no exception to this. After his claim of winning a title at Toronto went all over the place, fans on Twitter have been making comments.
Many are calling it an ‘absurd theory’ as they compare Kawhi Leonard’s skill next to DeRozan’s. Moreover, many are also defending Leonard saying he was a better all-round player, which helped the Raptors go all the way. Here are some reactions:
Although there are quite many who disagree with DeRozan’s views, no one can deny that Kawhi Leonard had quite a magical run in the 2019 playoffs. He was also the 2019 NBA Finals MVP and was quite clearly the reason behind the Raptors’ success. However, today neither of the two players plays for the Toronto Raptors.
While DeRozan is with the Chicago Bulls, Leonard is now playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Both of them are eliminated from the 2023 NBA playoffs and will take some time off during the off-season. While the Bulls guard will work on his game to come back stronger next year, the former Finals MVP will look to shake off his injuries and get healthier.
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Nikhil Sonmali
(1112 Articles Published)