DeMar DeRozan provides examples of his veteran leadership style

Sep 23, 2024, 5:00 PM | Updated: 5:14 pm

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 28: Coby White #0 and DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls celebrate...

Coby White #0 and DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in double overtime at the United Center on February 28, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

The newest Sacramento Kings star, DeMar DeRozan, has been continuing his media tour to promote his book Above The Noise. Recently, the six-time NBA All-Star went on Lou Williams’ podcast, The Underground Lounge, to discuss various topics, including his leadership style, which will be brought to California’s capital in 2024.

“My vet style, I just take in all the young (players) more than anything,” DeMar DeRozan said. “Like, whatever city we get to, it’s mandatory to meet me downstairs fifteen minutes after you put your bag down, and we’re going to go eat… we’re going to a nice restaurant to get you a nice meal.”

“I really embrace those dudes. If we’re in a city and we have a day off, I’m going to find something cool and fun for us to do. We lock in,” he continued.

So, that’s kind of like my vet style. But, anything on the court, I push those [explicitive] to a breaking point. I talk crazy to them. I don’t let up on them at all. But off the court, I’m going to come to the house; we’re doing everything.”

He also shared funny stories about how De’Aaron Fox told him that when DeRozan was drafted in 2009, he wasn’t even in high school. Also, the fact that he played with rookie Devin Carter’s dad, Anthony, early in his career blew his mind and provided a clear perspective that he is a seasoned veteran.

For a Sacramento team that already bonded well, it will be intriguing to see how DeRozan’s leadership — on and off the court — can strengthen their team chemistry heading into the 2024-25 season.

More on Kings forward DeMar DeRozan

The Kings and DeRozan came to an agreement on a three-year, $76 million deal (third year is partially guaranteed at $10 million) on July 8th.

DeRozan has been one of the NBA’s top scorers over the past decade, averaging 23.5 points per game since the start of the 2013-14 season. The 6’6 wing is coming off an impressive 2023-24 campaign that saw him average 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 48/33/85 shooting splits.

The veteran is a gifted scorer in the mid-range, knocking down nearly 50 percent of his jumpers from 10-to-16 feet. DeRozan is also reliable in crunch time, posting top-three finishes in Clutch Player of the Year voting over the past two seasons.

Getting to the foul line is an art form for DeRozan, as the newest member of the Kings ranked second among all NBA leaders in made free throws, third in attempts, and fifth in attempts per game (7.7).

DeRozan is one of 15 NBA players to average 25+ points and 5+ assists per game over the past three seasons–joining potential future teammate De’Aaron Fox–while ranking fifth in Win Shares among the talented group.

Adding DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking abilities to Sacramento’s core is a clear upgrade for a roster that has been in need of a facelift, and the newest member of the Kings will soon be in action as the October 9th preseason opener quickly approaches.

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?

Now that we know when the Kings will suit up for their season-opener, we can look forward to October 24th for the Beam Team’s season-opening matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Training camps will begin at the end of September, meaning there could still be a move or two up general manager Monte McNair’s sleeve to round out Sacramento’s roster before players report to Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Sacramento Kings news on player signings, trades, game recaps, and more for the upcoming season.