It’s easy to get swept up in the three-point revolution that’s reshaped the NBA. We see players launching from way downtown, analytics dictating shot selection, and efficiency becoming the ultimate metric. But then there’s DeMar DeRozan, a player who seems to be channeling a different era of basketball, one where the art of the mid-range jumper reigned supreme.
Watching DeRozan play is like stepping back in time, almost a nod to legends like Kobe Bryant. While others chase the long ball, DeRozan has carved out his niche in that often-overlooked space just inside the arc. It’s a testament to his skill that nearly 44% of his shots come from this ‘death zone,’ and he converts them at an impressive 45% clip. That’s not just good shooting; that’s masterful scoring.
I recall reading about a particular game where DeRozan put on a show, scoring 36 points to help the Toronto Raptors secure their sixth straight win against the Orlando Magic. It was a performance that highlighted his scoring prowess, even as he himself acknowledged the team could have done better defensively. "We can't get comfortable just because we won a few games," he said, a sentiment that speaks to his competitive drive. "Even tonight, we could have done a lot better. We gave up too many points."
In that game, the Raptors as a team shot exceptionally well, hitting 10 of 15 from beyond the arc. But it was DeRozan’s ability to consistently find his spots and knock down tough shots – fall-aways, fade-aways – that really stood out, as noted by Orlando’s Aaron Gordon. Even in a game where his teammates were also hitting, DeRozan’s offensive impact was undeniable.
It’s fascinating how DeRozan’s game stands in such stark contrast to players like Stephen Curry, who redefined long-range shooting, or James Harden, who perfected the step-back three. DeRozan isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; he's perfecting an already classic design. He’s a reminder that there’s still immense value and beauty in a well-executed mid-range game, a skill that’s becoming increasingly rare and, perhaps, even more appreciated because of its scarcity.
He embodies a certain classicism in a league that’s constantly pushing forward. It’s not just about the points he scores, but how he scores them, paying homage to a style of play that many thought was fading into history. DeRozan is keeping that flame alive, proving that the mid-range is far from dead.