What’s so great about DeMar DeRozan?
DeMar DeRozan reminds me of Joey Graham here. (The Oregonian)
It seems like everyone’s on the “DeMar DeRozan as a Toronto Raptor” bandwagon. What makes DeRozan such a great fit on this team, apart from being a decent swingman? Sure, he’s got some attractive strengths, but his weaknesses seem significant.
From his Draft Express profile, here are some weaknesses that, I think, may not be correctable:
- offensive creativity
- ability to create own shot
- defensive awareness
- average basketball IQ
Since we’re looking for a second or third scoring option behind Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani, a guard who can create his own shot, should we be so gung ho for DeRo’?
Also telling is his NBADraft.net profile. Some weaknesses seen in 2007:
- does not always play up to his abilities
- must develop more of a killer instinct
- can go through the motions when he’s not on his game
- his setup/passing game needs improvement
- his outside shot has become reliable; midrange game can still improve
And in 2009:
- often satisfied to go with the flow; does not look to dominate
- plays hard, but rarely full throttle
- not much of a passer or facilitator
- needs to enhance range on his jumper; tends to fade away on 3PT attempts
It looks like those issues from two years ago continue to be issues. Considering those issues, is DeMar DeRozan really a fit on this Raptors team? Is he even worthy of the ninth overall pick? And if not, are there really any better options available at nine — Gerald Henderson? Earl Clark? James Johnson?
June 17th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
A bit hard on the guy, but I agree. I like him a lot, but is he the best fit at 9, I’m not so sure.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Thanks for reading, Raps Fan.
I’m not trying to be hard on DeRozan — just presenting the evidence here — but based on what I’ve read about him, my gut says no. But I (and those draft “experts”) could be wrong.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Available much later in the 1st Round, someone like Derrick Brown [6-8, 225, SF] would be a solid choice for the Raptors.
By trading down from No. 9, the Raptors can acquire the additional 2nd Round selection they need to re-stock the talent-base of their team.
In addition with using the $3.0 M they have from their trade with Miami this season, which should be used to buy a 2nd pick in the 1st Round on June 25, this year’s draft could set up very nicely for the Raptors … if Bryan Colangelo plays it right.
Time will tell just how good he really is at his job.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Welcome, Khandor!
I have to read up on Derrick Brown — a bit of a sleeper, isn’t he?
I’m a big fan of B.C.’s and fully expect him to make the right moves this summer. A little afraid of what might happen to Roko Ukic, though.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Jeff,
Added you to my blogroll.
Like what I see on your site.
Keep On Truck’n
——————-
PS. If you’re a fan of someone like Manu Ginobili … watch this video clip on Nando De Colo [who should still be available in the 2nd Round]. Please excuse some of the language in the lyrics of the clip.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Couldn’t vote in your latest Raptors’ Draft poll … cause it doesn’t include a choice for “None of the Above”.
Drop by for a visit.
Intelligent commentors are always appreciated.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
“None of the above” is an easy out sometimes.
Draft stock has changed so much since I posted that poll. Thinking about doing a new draft poll…
June 17th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
you talk like you followed derozan throughout the year. . . and if you did youd know it took him time to adjust because ufc is a program where the coach is bigger then the players. . . derozan wasn’t given the ball in his hands enough in the beginning of the season in trojan land but the end of the tournament he was solid. . . derozan would be the perfect pick at nine if tyreke is there i think we take tyreke evans but he wont be there so derozan will be solid. . . As for flynn, it’s a pg deep draft so raps will be stupid to pick one up with the ninth pick. . . i can see them targetting williams or flynn if they get a pick in the teens. . .
June 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
usc not ufc sorry mistyped
June 17th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Thanks for the insight, Spirow.
The good thing I didn’t mention about DeRozan is his good work ethic, which makes it more likely he’ll reach his potential (Josh Howard? Vince Carter?).
June 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am
[...] Pete Marasmitch » What’s so great about DeMar DeRozan? It looks like those issues from two years ago continue to be issues. Considering those issues, is DeMar DeRozan really a fit on this Raptors team? Is he even worthy of the ninth overall pick? And if not, are there really any better options available at nine — Gerald Henderson? Earl Clark? James Johnson? [...]
June 20th, 2009 at 1:04 am
[...] Pete Marasmitch » What’s so great about DeMar DeRozan? – It looks like those issues from two years ago continue to be issues. Considering those issues, is DeMar DeRozan really a fit on this Raptors team? Is he even worthy of the ninth overall pick? And if not, are there really any better options available at nine — Gerald Henderson? Earl Clark? James Johnson? [...]