DeMar DeRozan

Lore & Background

The narrative of DeRozan's Raptors career is steeped in resilience. He carried the team through lean years and celebrated historic highs, including the first-ever 50-win season for the franchise under his leadership. Fans remember him not just for his scoring titles or All-Star nods, but for his willingness to take the last shot, his defensive intensity, and his genuine love for Toronto. His eventual trade in 2018 was met with heartbreak across Canada, cementing his legacy as a player who will forever be missed.

Reader's Guide

DeMar DeRozan joined the Toronto Raptors in 2009 and quickly established himself as the franchise's cornerstone. Over nine seasons, he became the team's all-time leading scorer at the time of his departure, averaging over 20 points per game for most of his tenure. His signature move was a devastating mid-range pull-up jumper, often executed from the elbow or free-throw line extended, which became a staple of Raptors offense. He earned three All-Star selections while in Toronto and led the team to their first-ever 50-win season in 2016-17. Although his jersey number 10 has not been officially retired by the organization as of current canon, he is widely regarded by fans as a living legend. His legacy remains defined by his leadership, clutch gene, and the emotional bond he forged with the Toronto community before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2018.

Did You Know?

• DeRozan was selected 9th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Raptors.
• He holds the record for most points scored in a single game by a Raptor against the Boston Celtics (46 points).
• Despite being traded, he returned to Toronto for special appearances and is still celebrated annually by fans.
• He was the first player in Raptors history to be selected as an All-Star three times while wearing the uniform.