DeMar DeRozan expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to join the Sacramento Kings after a sign-and-trade from the Chicago Bulls. With interest from several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, DeRozan ultimately chose the Kings.
DeMar DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings through an offseason acquisition in a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Bulls.
DeMar DeRozan
| Position: | SG, SF |
| Age: | 35 |
| Height: | 201 cm |
| Weight: | 99 kg |
| Birth place: | Compton, United States of America |
He made his debut with the Kings in their preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors, where the team lost 112-122.
Despite the defeat, DeRozan delivered an impressive performance, finishing the game with 15 points in just 15 minutes, including a perfect shooting night going 6-6 from the field.
In his interview with Fadeaway World, DeRozan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NBA.
"I don't take any moment I ever get to play in this league for granted. I work hard, and just to be appreciated and be wanted somewhere, it always feels good, especially as a competitor."
He acknowledged the support he received from fans, emphasizing that the warm reception, even in a preseason setting, was meaningful to him.
DeRozan also reflected on the hard work he and his teammates had put in during training camp.
"We've been working extremely hard all week... pushing, competing, trying to learn," he noted.
He highlighted his focus on learning the offense to contribute effectively to the team.
Last season, the Kings finished as the 10th seed in the Western Conference and secured a place in the Play-In Tournament, where they defeated the Warriors before falling to the New Orleans Pelicans.
DeRozan averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season and was a runner-up for Clutch Player of the Year.
While DeRozan had options to join teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers, he ultimately chose the Kings.
"Philly definitely was an option. The Lakers were an option always. Clippers were an option. And the Heat was an option too," DeRozan stated.
"I was just looking for an opportunity to win at a high level... Sacramento came about, and they were showing interest, like real interest," he added.
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