Best landing spots for DeMar DeRozan after being waived by the Kings
· Yahoo Sports
The NBA offseason continues to deliver, as another star is on the move. Just reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings have waived DeMar DeRozan, making him the top free agent left on the market.
DeRozan spent two seasons with the Kings after being traded from the Chicago Bulls. The Kings were never in a position to compete anyway, so naturally DeRozan has flown under the radar these last few seasons.
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This move signifies a reset for the Kings; they tried to see what they could do with DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but just like in Chicago, it didn’t lead to wins.
Now DeRozan can pick wherever he wants to go, and ideally for him, join a contender and help them as a third option. Here are three landing spots for the six-time NBA All-Star.
1. Detroit Pistons
Sacramento Kings guard Demar Derozan (10) looks to pass the ball against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0). Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The Pistons have struck out on secondary creators next to Cade Cunningham. Detroit failed to acquire guys like Austin Reaves or Norman Powell and is now limited in options to add more scoring. The Pistons also lost Tobias Harris, who was pivotal in some games as a scorer; DeRozan could fill that void.
DeRozan doesn’t fix the outside shooting problems that Detroit’s offense faced last season, but it does give them another ball handler and someone to carry the offensive burden in the non-Cunningham minutes.
2. Toronto Raptors
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4). Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
A homecoming that would unite DeRozan with the superstar he was traded for, Kawhi Leonard. DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Raptors, who drafted him in 2009.
The Raptors were competitive in the Eastern Conference during those years. Unfortunately, that core played in the same era as prime LeBron James, and we all know how that went.
DeRozan would either start at the 2 or come off the bench; either way, he’d be, at best, a third option next to Leonard and Scottie Barnes.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles past Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77). Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
A move to the Raptors would be a homecoming in NBA terms, since DeRozan was drafted and spent most of his career there. An actual homecoming would be with the Los Angeles Lakers.
DeRozan is originally from Compton, California, grew up a Lakers fan, and idolized Kobe Bryant. As for the basketball fit with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, it could be a little weird, spacing-wise.
It’d be the least amount of responsibility for DeRozan, as Doncic and Reaves are both ball-dominant and great facilitators. So DeRozan would have to operate off the ball, slash to the rim, and maybe even come off the bench.