DeMar DeRozan Bringing NBA Championship to Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors, fresh off their greatest season in NBA franchise history, are mapping out a plan to bring a championship back to Canada. They say the Canadians love their hockey, and they do, but the Raptors ensured that Canada would be represented on the court this year. That was largely down to their shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. The All-Star has opted out of his contract, to pursue a financially-rich, long-term deal. However, he’s adamant that he wants to stay with the Eastern Conference Finals Runners-Up. If he does, the Raptors could be title contenders in the near future.
The Raptors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, all season, and in their playoff match-up, they matched them. They just lacked experience. Now they have a taste of success they want more, and they’re confident they can get it. But they must keep DeRozan, who just about every team in the NBA wants.
The guard is seeking a long contract, potentially the one that secures his financial future, and rightfully so. However, many are worried he will leave. He’s tried to ease those concerns, though.
The 26-year-old was drafted in 2009 and he continues to go from strength to strength every season. At times he was unstoppable. He’s potentially the best shooter in all of basketball. He rarely misses. Also, perhaps somewhat surprisingly his heroics come from mid-range shooting, not the 3-point shooting. He is reminiscent to Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade when it comes to his pure scoring ability. The Raptors, if they want to contend, want to build around that kind of play, not lose it.
He, however, explained “My mindset has always been Toronto,”.
The player’s adamant that “I was passionate about it when we was losing. When we was terrible, I said I’m going to stick through this whole thing and I want to be that guy who brings this organization to where it is now. I definitely don’t want to switch up after we win.”
He regularly gets 25+ points a game, and he does this with an All-Star ball-handler in Kyle Lowry next to him. He’s that good. He slots in, doesn’t take the limelight, yet makes a huge difference every time he steps out on to the court. The Raptors could have won the title last season, barring experience, however, this season it’s there for the taking. DeRozan’s dribbling and mid-range jumpers can do just that. They will be contenders next season and they will ensure a busy summer at Betway. They will be rapidly updating their NBA title odds whether he stays or goes. The Raptors hope their odds are favoring them to lift the coveted trophy. Keeping DeMar does just that. It’s their most important business to complete in years.
He denied the rumors of a hometown return to Los Angeles, saying, “I grew up in L.A. That’s my home…I let whoever comes up with that say what they want to say. Only thing appealing to me is the things I’ve done in this organization and the things that can be done here. And that’s always been my mindset since I’ve been here.”
The Raptors have the making of a title-winning team. However, they need time to grow and develop. The Cavs won’t be a force for much longer with many changes expected to take place. The weaker Eastern Conference is there for the taking. If they lose DeRozan, then they can forget about it for a long while. If they keep him, they will be contending for years to come.
He has promised to resign, and the Raptors will do their best, also. If this deal- as expected- comes together, the Raptors may well become the beast in the east next season.
With DeMar’s excellent abilities it’s understandable why other teams would want him, however, it appears he’s a one-team man, and the Raptors should sleep well knowing their future is in safe hands.