15 Points on 100% Shooting! DeRozan's Perfect Debut – Can the Kings Make the Western Conference Finals?

The Sacramento Kings kicked off their preseason campaign with a 112-122 loss to the Golden State Warriors, but despite the result, there was plenty to be excited about for Kings fans. The spotlight was on DeMar DeRozan, one of the team’s newest additions, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular. In just 15 minutes of play, DeRozan went 6-for-6 from the field, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, scoring 15 points with a flawless shooting display.

For a first appearance with his new team, DeRozan was perfect, and each of his six baskets was a highlight in its own right. From tough mid-range jumpers to a well-executed three-pointer, DeRozan’s debut for the Kings couldn’t have gone better. His chemistry with teammates, particularly Domantas Sabonis, was on full display, leaving fans optimistic about the potential for this new partnership.

DeRozan’s Scoring Masterclass

DeRozan wasted no time making an impact. Less than a minute into the game, he set up a smooth off-ball screen with Keegan Murray before executing a hand-off with Sabonis. Facing none other than former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green, DeRozan confidently knocked down a long two-pointer, just a step inside the three-point line.

A minute later, DeRozan again linked up with Sabonis, taking the ball and coming off a screen to hit a tough mid-range shot over Kevon Looney. The Sabonis-DeRozan hand-off plays quickly became a recurring theme, with DeRozan making it look easy as he continued to drain mid-range jumpers.

With two minutes left in the first quarter, DeRozan hit another mid-range shot, this time facing up against Looney in isolation. As the clock ticked down, he showcased his elite one-on-one abilities, fending off Kyle Anderson’s tight defense with a spin move before sinking yet another contested jumper.

In the second quarter, DeRozan continued his flawless play. A pick-and-roll with Alex Len and De’Aaron Fox led to a strong drive and finish at the rim. Moments later, DeRozan found himself wide open in the corner after a Fox drive-and-kick, and with no defender stepping up, he dribbled once, found his rhythm, and nailed a three-pointer.

The result: six field goals in six attempts, including four mid-range jumpers, one layup, and one three-pointer. Classic DeRozan.

The Mid-Range King – DeRozan’s Strengths on Display

DeRozan’s performance highlighted why he’s still one of the best mid-range shooters in the game today. Although many fans have criticized him over the years for his limited three-point shooting, DeRozan’s skillset is well-defined, and his mid-range game remains nearly unstoppable.

During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, DeRozan was often chastised for his reluctance to shoot threes, and for good reason. His three-point shooting percentage has historically been inconsistent, and in an era dominated by the long ball, this was seen as a liability. However, it’s important to remember that DeRozan can and does shoot threes when necessary. His back-to-back buzzer-beating three-point game-winners on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in 2022 stand as some of the most memorable moments of his career.

Still, DeRozan prefers to operate within the 10-to-19-foot range, where he’s most comfortable and effective. In fact, his shooting numbers from last season prove just how lethal he is from mid-range. From 10 to 14 feet, DeRozan hit 50.5% of his shots (141 out of 279 attempts), while from 15 to 19 feet, he connected on 41.8% (122 out of 292 attempts).

In his Kings debut, DeRozan once again demonstrated that if you give him space and an isolation opportunity, he will find a way to score – even against elite defenders like Draymond Green and physical matchups like Kyle Anderson.

A New Dynamic with Sabonis

One of the most intriguing developments in the Kings’ preseason opener was the instant connection between DeRozan and Sabonis. While Sabonis is not quite the passer that Nikola Jokic is, his playmaking abilities are still elite, especially in hand-off situations. DeRozan benefited greatly from Sabonis’ presence, using his screens and hand-offs to get clean looks.

This chemistry is something that was missing during DeRozan’s time with the Chicago Bulls. Nikola Vucevic, while a strong offensive player, never quite had the same level of hand-off ability as Sabonis, and as a result, DeRozan often struggled to find easy scoring opportunities. Now, with Sabonis in the mix, DeRozan looks poised to thrive in this new system.

Sabonis, a former All-Star himself, is one of the best big men in the league when it comes to facilitating offense from the elbow. His ability to create for others, combined with DeRozan’s mid-range mastery, could give opposing teams fits all season long.

A Veteran Presence on a Young Team

DeRozan’s move to Sacramento raised some eyebrows, as many wondered how much he had left in the tank at 35 years old. However, the Kings' decision to sign him to a three-year, $74 million deal, with only $10 million guaranteed in the third year, looks like a bargain at this point. DeRozan may not have made the All-Star team last season, but his numbers were still All-Star caliber. In 79 games, he averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, shooting 48.0% from the field and posting a true shooting percentage of 58.3%.

One of DeRozan’s most underrated skills is his playmaking. During his time under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, DeRozan developed into a reliable passer, and last season, he averaged 5.3 assists against just 1.7 turnovers. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.12 was better than that of many starting point guards in the league. This aspect of his game should only benefit the Kings, who already feature one of the league’s most dynamic point guards in De’Aaron Fox.

Speaking of Fox, he had high praise for DeRozan after the preseason opener, saying, “It’s great to bring in such a talented, unselfish player. He can make difficult shots, and it’s a lot of fun playing alongside him.”

A Championship Mindset

At 35, DeRozan is clearly coming to Sacramento with a purpose. When asked during the offseason about his goals for the upcoming season, DeRozan didn’t shy away from setting high expectations, stating that his bold prediction was for the Kings to reach the Western Conference Finals.

That may seem like a lofty goal, especially considering the stiff competition in the Western Conference, with teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Oklahoma City Thunder all gunning for a deep playoff run. But the Kings are not to be underestimated either. With Fox, Sabonis, and now DeRozan, Sacramento boasts an offensive trio that can challenge any team in the league.

DeRozan’s playoff experience will also be invaluable for a Kings team that finally broke their long postseason drought last season. While DeRozan has often faced criticism for his performances in the playoffs, his leadership and ability to execute in clutch situations will provide the Kings with a stabilizing veteran presence.

Can the Kings Reach the Western Conference Finals?

The Kings’ prospects this season largely hinge on how well their new additions mesh with their established core. DeRozan’s fit alongside Fox and Sabonis will be critical, as will the team’s ability to shore up their defense. Sacramento was one of the league’s best offensive teams last season, but their defense left much to be desired, and if they want to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need to improve on that end of the floor.

One area that could use bolstering is perimeter defense, and it remains to be seen whether the Kings will make any midseason moves to address this. DeRozan is not known for his defensive prowess, and at 35, it’s unlikely he will suddenly become a lockdown defender. The Kings may need to bring in more defensive-minded players if they hope to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.

Ultimately, the Kings' ceiling may depend on how well Fox plays. If he can replicate his All-NBA Third Team form from 2023, the Kings could very well challenge for 50 wins and make a deep playoff run. DeRozan’s presence gives them another reliable scoring option and a veteran with a championship mindset, but it’s Fox who will need to lead the charge.

As things stand, the Kings look poised to return to the playoffs, but whether they can make it as far as the Western Conference Finals will depend on several factors. However, one thing is certain: DeRozan’s addition has already made the Kings a much more dangerous team, and his perfect preseason debut is just a glimpse of what he can bring to the table.