DeMar DeRozan closed out a difficult Kings season with a message that mixed pride, frustration and resolve. The veteran forward finished the year averaging 18.4 points, and Sacramento ended 22-60 in 14th place in the Western Conference.
“From that accomplishment, it’s amazing when you pass anybody in this league doing anything,” DeRozan said after moving up to 16th on the all-time scoring list. “It’s an honor. Something I never take for granted just being able to play this game.”
He said the milestone matters more with time, but the record book does not erase the results. “I wish the wins came with it, but it didn’t,” he said. “But like I said, to be able to accomplish anything in this league is incredible.”
DeRozan called this season “harder” than the previous one because of the constant lineup changes and injuries. “So many guys out. We started out the season without a key guy. Another key guy dropped. It was thing after thing after thing trying to make adjustments in the midst of feeling like you sinking in a deep hole by losing games,” he said.
Still, he was not ready to let the season define Sacramento’s future. “I don’t take nothing away because at the end of the day to still be able to have this opportunity to play you can never take that for granted,” he said. “I think from a competitive standpoint you want to win you want to compete you want to give back to the fans.”
For DeRozan, the priority remains simple even as he enters the final year of his three-year, $73 million deal. “Most important part is still being able to play basketball,” he said. “To play the game that you love.”
He also praised the chance to share the floor with Russell Westbrook, calling him “basically family.” DeRozan said, “It’s amazing to be able to sit next to somebody where you know exactly where he come from and to see how much we accomplish.”
The Kings forward also spoke highly of Doug Christie’s first full season as head coach. “I told Doug when he got the job every time I go out there and play I want to leave it all out there on the floor for him,” DeRozan said. “So I’m always happy for him regardless.”
Even with a disappointing finish, DeRozan saw value in the younger players around him. “That excitement gives us the energy that we need,” he said. “They made it fun, they made it exciting.”
Looking ahead, he said Sacramento must clean up the details and find stability. “I’m always optimistic,” DeRozan said. “I just try to go out there prepare myself as best as I can and be ready for whatever happens next.”
