DeMar DeRozan, famous for his tenure with the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls, has established a substantial legacy in the NBA, especially among his teammates in Toronto. Even though he wasn’t part of the Raptors’ championship-winning team, DeRozan’s mentorship and impact are still acknowledged by his former teammates, especially Pascal Siakam.
DeMar DeRozan’s Legacy with the Toronto Raptors
DeRozan spent nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, rising to become the franchise’s all-time leading scorer before his trade to the San Antonio Spurs. The trade deal that brought Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors was a turning point, ultimately leading to the team clinching its first NBA championship in 2019. Even though DeRozan wasn’t part of the championship squad, his influence lingered, notably through his mentorship of up-and-coming players like Pascal Siakam.
Key Contributions:
- Mentoring Pascal Siakam: DeRozan played a crucial role in mentoring Pascal Siakam during his first two NBA seasons.
- Siakam’s Growth: With DeRozan’s guidance, Siakam improved significantly and went on to win the Most Improved Player award in 2019.
DeRozan’s Message to Pascal Siakam
Recently, DeRozan released his book titled Above The Noise. In a gesture highlighting their strong bond, DeRozan sent a personalized copy of his book to Siakam. Siakam took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude, encouraging others to support DeRozan’s book. Siakam also shared the personal message DeRozan had written inside the book:
“What’s going on? I’m very excited to be sharing with you an early finished copy of my book Above The Noise.” — DeMar DeRozan
This message demonstrates the respect and camaraderie between the two NBA stars, underscoring how DeRozan’s mentorship helped shape Siakam’s career.
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Siakam’s Journey Forward
Siakam has grown into one of the NBA’s premier forwards, and DeRozan’s influence on his early career is undeniable. As Siakam progresses with the Indiana Pacers, he aims to guide his team through the competitive Eastern Conference, applying the lessons he learned from DeRozan.
Achievements:
- All-Star Appearances: Siakam has earned multiple All-Star selections, cementing his status as a top forward in the league.
- Leadership: Now, Siakam aims to help the Indiana Pacers grow and contend in the Eastern Conference.
Table: Key Moments in the DeRozan-Siakam Relationship
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | DeRozan mentors Siakam | Helped Siakam adjust to NBA life |
| 2019 | Siakam wins Most Improved Player | A major milestone in Siakam’s career |
| 2023 | DeRozan sends Siakam a copy of his book Above The Noise | Continues their strong personal and professional bond |
DeMar DeRozan’s influence on the Toronto Raptors continues to be felt, not just through his scoring but also through the mentorship he provided to future stars like Pascal Siakam. His legacy lives on and off the court, with his words of wisdom and mentorship making a lasting impact.
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