In the aftermath of the Kawhi Leonard-DeMar DeRozan trade, most assume that Toronto immediately received the better end of the deal. That could be a fair assumption, but in retrospect isn’t a guaranteed sale. There are many key factors that say otherwise and how, in reality, DeRozan is destined to succeed in the San Antonio organization.
Kawhi has always been a defensive minded player opposed to DeMar DeRozan’s offense first shooter, but both of their games can develop under the right guidance. If you compare both organizations, I would tip my hat in San Antonio’s direction.
With five championship rings under their belt and a coaching staff known to guide and improving their players as individuals and role players, DeRozan is fit for this system and will only improve as a leader on the court. I can even go as far as to mention he can transform into an MVP candidate. Unlikely but not impossible. Here are the 3 reasons why DeMar DeRozan will be in the running for MVP candidacy once it’s all said and done.
Spurs Organization
DeRozan is in a better position to succeed in San Antonio more than Kawhi in Toronto. It all starts with the Spurs franchise.
DeRozan is now under one of the best coaching organizations in the West and arguably the whole NBA. The San Antonio Spurs have future plans for him and this pairing could eventually become a match made in heaven built for DeRozan’s future success.
The clarification and realization are that any player can indeed strive under the Spurs system. It hasn’t always produced All-Star caliber players, but in unison has provided a stretch of improvement within their overall game. The addition of DeMar DeRozan will be no different.
George Hill was drafted by the Spurs with the 26th overall pick in the 2008 draft. A player that was overlooked by a lot of teams wound up being an effective point guard and floor general. His latest run, alongside LeBron James, ended with him reaching the NBA Finals. That’s what the Spurs do. They find gems late in the draft.
Future Hall of Famers and All-Stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili were also late draft additions.
Oh and don’t forget 2014 NBA Finals MVP as well. He was drafted 15th overall in the 2011 draft.
Improve his game under coach Gregg Popovich.
The 9-year veteran is an offensive threat with much left to offer from his overall game. On the defensive side, he is no Kawhi, but that doesn’t mean he can’t learn to evolve under one of the best coaches in the whole league. The current U.S.A. coach Gregg Popovich.
DeRozan’s production in Toronto was widely marginalized due to his talent and ability to create off the ball as well as being the floor general. At times when Kyle Lowry was taking a rest, DeRozan would become the focal point of the offense. In fact, his usage rating ranked 7th in the league with an overall percentage of 30.7.
DeRozan is a perimeter threat as well as a great isolation scorer. He can take over in late game situations if needed. He has that dominant presence.
The great supporting cast for him to excel.
His new teammates, with the exception of All-Star Kyle Lowry, all have key attributes that can help facilitate his game. The one-two combo of DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge will be a nightmare of a matchup in the West. DeRozan will take a ton of pressure off LeMarcus and will also create a smooth pick and roll routine. Both their style of games compliment each other nicely.
Dejounte Murray will also be an accommodating replacement in the backcourt. He is a great defender that can relieve the pressure as well and assist in fast transition plays. They are going to be a fast-paced combo for the Spurs offense. Something they need to bring back to the Spurs playbook.
DeMar DeRozan has a lot to prove in his first season with the Spurs
Can he lead them to a place he never led the Raptors? #SITop100 https://t.co/kCf7vWJijk pic.twitter.com/l8GWTfXAiV
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 12, 2018
Whether these key attributes become the difference maker in DeRozan’s surge to the MVP conversation is still far from reality, it isn’t too crazy to think his game will elevate under one of the best coaching systems in the league with San Antonio. If anything a new change will provide motivation for the former scoring leader in Toronto.
And if he plays his cards right, the Spurs can once again make some noise in the deadly Western Conference.
