54 Points and 11 Rebounds for the Win! DeMar DeRozan Claims the Crown: Goodbye Harden, Meet the NBA's New Top Shooting Guard

DeMar DeRozan, a player known for his mid-range mastery and clutch performances, has long been a staple in the NBA. Yet, his recent appearance in the Drew League—an elite summer pro-am basketball league—might just be one of the most spectacular moments of his career. In a thrilling display, DeRozan dropped a jaw-dropping 54 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists, including nailing a clutch free throw to seal a 114-113 comeback victory. This performance not only earned him the title but also marked DeRozan's first championship win, albeit in the Drew League, not the NBA.

A Surprising Move to Sacramento

This summer has been a whirlwind for DeRozan, both on and off the court. After three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, where he rejuvenated his career, DeRozan has made a bold move by signing a three-year, $76.7 million contract with the up-and-coming Sacramento Kings. The third year of his deal is partially guaranteed at $10 million, offering both security and flexibility for the veteran star.

Interestingly, before committing to the Kings, DeRozan was heavily courted by LeBron James, who was willing to take a pay cut to bring DeRozan to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the mutual interest, a deal with the Lakers never materialized, and DeRozan ultimately chose the Kings, a decision driven by his desire to win.

During his tenure with the Bulls, DeRozan experienced a career renaissance, averaging 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over three seasons. His shooting efficiency was remarkable, hitting 49.6% from the field and solidifying his status as one of the league's top shooting guards. However, team success eluded him in Chicago, as the Bulls made the playoffs just once during his time there, only to be eliminated in the first round.

For DeRozan, the decision to leave Chicago and join Sacramento was driven by a singular motivation—winning. The Kings, who have built a promising roster around All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox and All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, now boast a formidable "Big Three" with DeRozan's arrival. The addition of Malik Monk, a dynamic scorer off the bench, further strengthens the Kings' depth and adds to the intrigue surrounding the team’s potential.

A New Contender in the Wild West

The Western Conference has long been known for its fierce competition, and with DeRozan now in Sacramento, the conference just got even wilder. The Kings are poised to be serious contenders for a playoff spot, and possibly much more. The Fox-DeRozan backcourt is particularly intriguing, as both players have established themselves as clutch performers. In fact, Fox and DeRozan ranked first and second in clutch scoring over the past two seasons, with Fox tallying 344 points and DeRozan not far behind with 316.

Some analysts and fans have expressed concerns about potential ball-sharing issues between Fox and DeRozan, as both players thrive with the ball in their hands. However, a closer look at the numbers suggests these concerns may be overblown. DeRozan, despite being a pure scorer, ranked 50th in the league in usage rate last season but still managed to average 24 points per game, placing him 17th in scoring. Fox, meanwhile, held a usage rate of 30%, ranking 12th in the league, which indicates that he is not overly ball-dominant either.

The Kings' front office undoubtedly considered these dynamics before making their move for DeRozan. They recognized that DeRozan's scoring efficiency and Fox's ability to facilitate would likely complement each other rather than clash. With Sabonis anchoring the paint and Monk providing instant offense off the bench, the Kings have constructed a roster that can compete with the best in the West.

DeRozan's Legacy and the Road Ahead

At 35 years old, DeRozan is entering the twilight of his career, but he remains as driven as ever. His move to Sacramento is not just about extending his playing days—it’s about chasing that elusive NBA championship. While it might seem far-fetched to some, DeRozan’s determination and the Kings’ upward trajectory make this a storyline worth following.

The Drew League championship may not carry the same prestige as an NBA title, but it’s a testament to DeRozan's relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. His 54-point outburst in the Drew League is a reminder that DeRozan is still very much a force to be reckoned with, capable of taking over a game at any moment.

DeRozan's decision to join the Kings also signals a shift in the balance of power in the Western Conference. While the Kings have historically struggled to stay competitive, the arrival of a seasoned star like DeRozan could be the catalyst they need to make a deep playoff run. DeRozan’s ability to perform in crunch time, coupled with the emerging talent around him, could turn Sacramento into a legitimate contender.

As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Kings to see how this new-look roster gels. The Fox-DeRozan-Sabonis trio has the potential to be one of the most dynamic in the league, and if they can find their rhythm early, the Kings could very well disrupt the established order in the West.

Farewell to Harden, A New King Takes the Throne

For years, James Harden was widely regarded as the NBA’s top shooting guard, dominating the league with his prolific scoring and playmaking. However, as Harden’s career has taken a different turn, it seems the mantle of the league's best shooting guard is ready to be passed on. DeRozan’s consistent excellence, particularly over the past few seasons, has made a compelling case for him to be recognized as the premier player at his position.

Harden's move to a more facilitating role, combined with his declining scoring averages, contrasts sharply with DeRozan's sustained production and leadership. DeRozan's ability to adapt and thrive in different roles, whether as the primary scorer or as a complementary piece, sets him apart and underscores his value in today's NBA.

DeRozan’s journey from Toronto to San Antonio, then to Chicago, and now to Sacramento, has been marked by ups and downs, but through it all, he has remained one of the most reliable and respected players in the league. His ability to consistently deliver in clutch moments, coupled with his remarkable durability, makes him a player that any team would be fortunate to have.

As DeRozan embarks on this new chapter with the Kings, there is a sense that something special could be brewing in Sacramento. While winning an NBA championship is no easy feat, especially in a conference as stacked as the West, DeRozan’s presence elevates the Kings' chances considerably. And if DeRozan can lead this team to success, it would not only solidify his place among the NBA's elite but also provide a fitting conclusion to what has already been an incredible career.

So, as the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the narrative of DeRozan vs. Harden may well shift, with DeRozan emerging as the true king of the shooting guards. For now, DeRozan’s fans and the Kings faithful will be dreaming of what could be—a deep playoff run, and perhaps, the ultimate prize: an NBA championship. After all, for a player of DeRozan's caliber and character, anything less would be a disservice to his legacy.