What's preventing Demar DeRozan from making that leap into a Superstardom like Harden years ago?

[sprewellchokes]

As an L.A. native I have a lot of respect for Derozen. I feel like he’s surpassed the expectations and has gotten better every year. He seems like a great guy and a hard worker. He’s made a great career for himself as an all star level guard.

I think the main issues holding him back from superstardom is his basketball IQ and his demeanor. He doesn’t pick teams apart like Harden does, he doesn’t want to rip your throat out like Kobe, and he’s not a genetic freak like Lebron.

Very few guys actually have that superstar gene. Derozen has nothing to be ashamed of, it’s too much to ask for him to play at Harden’s level. Guys like Harden and Lebron just see the game in a different way than lower tier players.

If harden is as great as you say then why did he disappear against the spurs?

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[HoopsMalone]

Derozan isn't nearly the shooter, passer, ballhandler, or defender that Harden is. If he just worked on those areas of his game and improved dramatically he'd have a shot.

Harden right now is playing at one of the highest levels of basketball we've ever seen and Derozan is just a run of the mill starter. The gap between Harden and Derozan is remarkably similar to the gap between Harden and Joe Harris so I just want to make sure I don't give you the impression it will be easy to make this "leap" this late in his career. I'd consider it pretty unlikely really.

[Neutral 123]

This thread hurt my head. DeMar worked his way up to where he is now. He's mostly maximized his game to fit his athletic strengths. He can jump, but doesn't have an explosive first step.

A bit odd as those two traits typically go together. His traits make it better for him to create space and elevate for a jumper. He'll never be a 3pt or dunk guy. He'll likely never be a great 3 point shooter because he's a jump shooter.

He elevates and then shoots. He shoots off the floor when he takes threes, but having two different shots he just won't be elite from 3. Harden is built for today's game. It's just not a fair comparison.

[sprewellchokes]

This is like asking why Carmelo Anthony can't take the next step to becoming LeBron James. There is a large gap in skills and a large difference between the ears.

C'mon now, Harden is a great talent and he's a better playmaker and better at shooting threes. But please don't mention his name with LeBron again. They're both similar players both disappear in the playoffs. Both prefer scoring one-on-one before defence. Derozen is basically the east version of harden. If dantoni was coaching demar instead of Casey. We'd be talking about him as a mvp candidate too.

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Derozan and Harden play nothing alike. How about this - I'll stop comparing Harden to LeBron if you stop comparing Derozan to Harden. There is a sizeable gap between all of them.

James harden is a great player. But dominating the ball in a dantoni type offensive doesn't make him the second coming of Christ. Like I said he's a better 3 point shooter and playmaker than demar. But he hasn't accomplished anything to be so above derozen.

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[sprewellchokes]

Do you honestly watch raptors games? Or are just following ESPN talking points. John Hollinger is that you?

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[Johnny Bball]

Relative to most all stars he kinda is, he's a fools gold type of player.

LOL wow this is something I expected people to say maybe 2-3 years ago. But even now? He's proving year after year that his game is no joke and stats speak for himself. Everyone expected him to fall off but he hasnt.

Its also surprising that a celtics fans would post this considering Derozan has **** on the Celtics almost everytime he's faced them. I assumed you would get a first-hand look at how he's clearly not "fools gold" anymore

The thing about fool's gold is that that the fool believes in it

No team is winning a championship with DeMar as their first second or even 3rd option. He is severely lacking key basketball skills.

Start a comparison that nobody has any business starting, then later trash him. And do it by making statements people would make 3 years ago. No wonder you don't post on our forum ever. Wtf.

[Patches Perry]

James harden is a great player. But dominating the ball in a dantoni type offensive doesn't make him the second coming of Christ. Like I said he's a better 3 point shooter and playmaker than demar. But he hasn't accomplished anything to be so above derozen.

It's curious to me how you seem to think there's some magic circumstantial pill that Derozan can take that will presto chango make him a much better basketball player. The truth is, Harden's skill set is just far more layered than Derozan and he is basically better than Derozan at everything. Derozan is a better run and jump athlete, that's it.

[jonjames]

Derozan isn't nearly the shooter, passer, ballhandler, or defender that Harden is. If he just worked on those areas of his game and improved dramatically he'd have a shot.

Harden right now is playing at one of the highest levels of basketball we've ever seen and Derozan is just a run of the mill starter. The gap between Harden and Derozan is remarkably similar to the gap between Harden and Joe Harris so I just want to make sure I don't give you the impression it will be easy to make this "leap" this late in his career. I'd consider it pretty unlikely really.

Run of the mill starter? Did derozan stuff you in a locker in highschool or something? smh

[Yallbecrazy]

After reading the first few replies in this thread I realized that Derozan is the same player as Evan Turner or Michael Beaasley

[HeartBreakKid]

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

[HoopsMalone]

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

Derozan isn't even on the same planet as Oladipo... Oladipo has become a star

[Yallbecrazy]

Harden isn't better at everything than Demar, just almost everything. Demar is truly megaelite at not turning the ball over.

[pingpongrac]

Derozan isn't nearly the shooter, passer, ballhandler, or defender that Harden is. If he just worked on those areas of his game and improved dramatically he'd have a shot.

Harden right now is playing at one of the highest levels of basketball we've ever seen and Derozan is just a run of the mill starter. The gap between Harden and Derozan is remarkably similar to the gap between Harden and Joe Harris so I just want to make sure I don't give you the impression it will be easy to make this "leap" this late in his career. I'd consider it pretty unlikely really.

I've seen a lot of bad posts on the GB, but...wow. The guy has been averaging 20+ points for five seasons while being the #1 option for one of the best regular season teams in the NBA in that span. He's been improving every year as well as in the playoffs too lately (his last 4 series have been a bit more in line with his regular season stats).

[Asif16]

Derozan isn't nearly the shooter, passer, ballhandler, or defender that Harden is. If he just worked on those areas of his game and improved dramatically he'd have a shot.

Harden right now is playing at one of the highest levels of basketball we've ever seen and Derozan is just a run of the mill starter. The gap between Harden and Derozan is remarkably similar to the gap between Harden and Joe Harris so I just want to make sure I don't give you the impression it will be easy to make this "leap" this late in his career. I'd consider it pretty unlikely really.

Sorry buddy, we're not talking about Kemba Walker.

[Asif16]

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

Derozan isn't even on the same planet as Oladipo... Oladipo has become a star

Based on your post, doesnt seem like you're on the same planet as everyone else either. Oladipo couldnt hold Derozan's jockstrap

[Hoopzilla]

I have watched him play for years. I always thought he had all the tools to be a great lockdown defender at the shooting guard position. He has superior size, athleticism and a good wingspan. I thought his shot mechanics have improved dramatically over the years, so I am not sure why his 3 point shot never became respectively consistent, maybe it is mental.

With the above being said, I absolutely cannot say he hasn't improved those parts of his game for a lack of effort. This guy truly does work hard and improves a facet of his game every single year. He came into the league purely as an athlete, the guy had no shot whatsoever. He has become an elite scorer and has been pretty durable as well. His passing has also improved out of double teams, but it all seems to become more difficult for him in the playoffs, perhaps that is because his backcourt mate Lowry disappears, which makes DeRozan's game the only thing left to stop for opposing teams. I would like to see a playoff run where Lowry plays at his regular season standard and see how they do, I hope that happens sometime soon.

It also can't be overlooked that he was loyal to Toronto. I know it is easy for him when they can offer the most money, but he turned down a chance to go home to the Lakers. He was adamant about wanting to play his whole career for the Raptors and he wears the jersey with pride. There is something for that kind of loyalty that gets lost in today's game. It is obvious the Raps will probably never beat the Cavs, but DeRozan has the fortitude to keep trying and is thankful and loyal to the city that gave him a chance when he was just a raw, athletic 20 year old.

[bubonicphoniks]

He plays in Toronto and he isn't a guy that craves stardom. He's a humble baller.

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[HoopsMalone]

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

Derozan isn't even on the same planet as Oladipo... Oladipo has become a star

Based on your post, doesnt seem like you're on the same planet as everyone else either. Oladipo couldnt hold Derozan's jockstrap

Lol, you're in fantasy land. Oladipo is one of the rising young stars in the league. Derozan is just a guy being propped up by Kyle Lowry and an outstanding bench the last half decade.

[HeartBreakKid]

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

Derozan isn't even on the same planet as Oladipo... Oladipo has become a star

Based on your post, doesnt seem like you're on the same planet as everyone else either. Oladipo couldnt hold Derozan's jockstrap

okay then,


explain why.

What makes DeRozan better than Oladipo?

[HoopsMalone]

Derozan isn't nearly the shooter, passer, ballhandler, or defender that Harden is. If he just worked on those areas of his game and improved dramatically he'd have a shot.

Harden right now is playing at one of the highest levels of basketball we've ever seen and Derozan is just a run of the mill starter. The gap between Harden and Derozan is remarkably similar to the gap between Harden and Joe Harris so I just want to make sure I don't give you the impression it will be easy to make this "leap" this late in his career. I'd consider it pretty unlikely really.

I've seen a lot of bad posts on the GB, but...wow. The guy has been averaging 20+ points for five seasons while being the #1 option for one of the best regular season teams in the NBA in that span. He's been improving every year as well as in the playoffs too lately (his last 4 series have been a bit more in line with his regular season stats).

Derozan is one of those guys that just fools a lot of people with the eye test. He creates a lot of drag on offensive units that offsets basically all of his individual merits and he's an abysmal defender.