The DeMar DeRozan File
- Second Team All-NBA, 2017-18, 2021-22
- Third Team All-NBA, 2016-17
- NBA All-Star, 2014, 2016-18, 2022
- 2007-08 McDonald's All-American
- 9th Overall Pick in 2009 NBA Draft
Straight Outta Compton
DeMar DeRozan had every opportunity imaginable to travel down the wrong path. In fact, it would be impossible to blame DeRozan if he did go down the path that so many before him took in Compton. There might be a Robert Frost poem that details this exact situation. DeRozan took the road less traveled, which has made him an NBA star that has stood the test of time.
In a place plagued by crime, drugs, gangs, and plenty of other problems, DeRozan made it out of Compton alive, in part thanks to his love of sports. Yet his story didn't stop there. He overcame the odds in getting out of his hometown, but then it was whether or not DeRozan could stick around in the NBA. His midrange-heavy game didn't make many fans in front offices across the league in the suddenly analytically driven NBA, who prioritized the three-point shot as the sport began to expand to a more behind-the-arc style of offense. Despite those concerns, DeRozan established himself as a clutch shooter, consistently being among the sport's best closers. With a long, successful NBA career, DeRozan has carved out a nice career, doing it his way.