With the regular season fast approaching, Sportsnet’s panel of Raptors & NBA experts will be answering the burning questions heading into the 2015-16 campaign. In this edition of the Raptors Roundtable:
What do you expect from DeMar DeRozan this season, and how do you see it impacting his future in Toronto (presuming he opts-out at seasons end as expected)?
Donnovan Bennett, staff writer: Same as always: A 20 point scorer making over 40% of his FG attempts. DeMar DeRozan is a scorer. Scorers get paid. Wether it is in Toronto or elsewhere he’s going to make max money. Multiple teams will throw the max at a 26 year old all-star without a serious injury past that is good in the community. Unlike the Kyle Lowry re-signing their is no shared risk; DeRozan’s track record is too long at this point. Derozan is entering his 7th season and this contract (depending on tenure) might be his only chance to cash out. The choice is really Toronto’s. First do they feel he gives them the best value at a max slot relative to the other players on the market and interested in coming to Toronto in the summer. Secondly, are they willing to go over the luxury tax threshold. Not much DeRozan does this season barring a catastrophic injury will effect his value.
Eric Smith, analyst & radio voice: Last year was sort of derailed by his early-season injury. He missed a quarter of the season — his first really injury and lengthy absence from the line up in his career. But he still turned a good-but-not-great campaign overall. Prior to 2014-15, DeRozan had shown improvement year after year. His numbers improved each season. And despite what some skeptics in Toronto may say, DeRozan is still a guy that opposing teams (and opposing coaches) game-plan for and worry about. I don’t think we should expect anything less than what we’ve seen from DeRozan in his career to this point and I think a key to this season for him is how he develops as a leader and a voice on this Raptors squad as well. He’s the wily vet now; the longest-serving Raptor.
Paul Jones, analyst & radio voice: DeRozan has had a slow start to the pre-season but as a veteran he understands what is needed. The expectation is another all-star type campaign. Don’t be surprised if the offense is working well to see his numbers slightly down from last season. That won’t be a reflection of his play, but rather a more balanced offensive system. He is a bargain right now and with the expected jump in the cap he will get a healthy raise next season, be it Toronto or elsewhere.
Dave Zarum, NBA editor: I continue to believe that DeRozan is far more valued/appreciated around the league than in his own city. DeRozan is a lethal go-to scorer who can carry his team in stretches and, as E mentioned, he is often a focal point on opponent’s scouting reports. He may never develop a reliable three-point shot, and that’s just fine by me, because while he is a below average distance shooter he’s elite in the NBA when it comes to both posting up near the high-post and getting to the free-throw line, which just might be his most dangerous weapon. Despite what we’ve seen from Lowry in the pre-season, I expect to see DeRozan return to his status as the Raps #1 scoring option, and for good reason. As for his future? Don’t be surprised at all to see him receive a max-money contract, though how far his team goes this post-season will determine whether or not it’s the Raptors who offer it to him.
Steven Loung, associate editor: DeRozan has been the Raptors’ model of consistency as far as reliable scorers go and this season will be no different. He’s supposedly added a more accurate three-point shot, but that’s yet to be seen. As for his contract impending free agency, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him get traded at the deadline if the team doesn’t gel the way Ujiri envisions it.