Career Timeline of DeMar DeRozan: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of DeMar DeRozan, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

DeMar DeRozan, nicknamed "Deebo," is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He played college basketball for the USC Trojans and was drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009. A six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team member, DeRozan is a prolific scorer, currently ranking sixth among all active NBA players on the all-time scoring list. His career highlights showcase his skill and impact in professional basketball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 2007: Signed Letter of Intent with USC

In November 2007, DeMar DeRozan signed a letter of intent to play basketball at USC, choosing them over Arizona and North Carolina.

2008: Playoff Berth

On March 28, 2014, DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors to a playoff berth for the first time since 2008, with a victory over the Boston Celtics.

April 8, 2009: Declared for the NBA Draft

On April 8, 2009, DeMar DeRozan announced his decision to enter the 2009 NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility at USC.

June 25, 2009: Drafted by Toronto Raptors

On June 25, 2009, DeMar DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA draft.

July 9, 2009: Signed Rookie Contract with Raptors

On July 9, 2009, DeMar DeRozan signed his rookie scale contract with the Toronto Raptors.

2009: DeRozan Drafted by Toronto Raptors

In 2009, DeMar DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA draft.

2010: Sprite Slam Dunk Competition Runner-Up

In 2010, DeMar DeRozan was a contestant in the Sprite Slam Dunk Competition, losing in the final round to Nate Robinson.

December 31, 2010: Career-High 37 Points

On December 31, 2010, DeMar DeRozan scored a then career-high 37 points against the Houston Rockets.

2011: Sprite Slam Dunk Competition Third Place

In 2011, DeMar DeRozan competed in the Sprite Slam Dunk Competition as a replacement for Brandon Jennings and finished in third place.

November 12, 2012: Matched Career-High 37 Points

On November 12, 2012, DeMar DeRozan matched his career-high of 37 points against the Utah Jazz.

November 15, 2013: Matched Career-High 37 Points Again

On November 15, 2013, DeMar DeRozan matched his career-high of 37 points for a third time, this time against the Chicago Bulls.

2013: Breakout Season

The 2013-14 season was a breakout year for DeMar DeRozan, averaging career-highs and leading the Raptors to a 48-34 record.

January 22, 2014: Career-High 40 Points

On January 22, 2014, DeMar DeRozan scored a then career-high 40 points against the Dallas Mavericks.

April 19, 2014: First Playoff Game

On April 19, 2014, DeMar DeRozan played in his first playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 14 points. The game resulted in a loss.

January 14, 2015: Returned to Action After Injury

On January 14, 2015, DeMar DeRozan returned to action after recovering from a torn left adductor longus tendon, scoring 20 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.

March 30, 2015: DeRozan's previous high of 42 points against Houston Rockets

On March 30, 2015, DeRozan had scored 42 points against the Houston Rockets, before surpassing his record in 2017.

November 10, 2015: Season-High 29 Points

On November 10, 2015, DeMar DeRozan scored a then season-high 29 points in a loss to the New York Knicks.

July 14, 2016: Re-signed with Raptors

On July 14, 2016, DeMar DeRozan re-signed with the Toronto Raptors to a five-year, $139 million contract.

October 26, 2016: Season Opener 40-Point Outing

On October 26, 2016, in the Raptors' season opener, DeMar DeRozan had his third career 40-point outing in a 109–91 win over the Detroit Pistons.

January 8, 2017: DeRozan scores 36 points against the Houston Rockets

On January 8, 2017, DeRozan scored 36 points in a 129–122 loss to the Houston Rockets, marking his 18th 30-plus-point game of the season and setting a new career high.

February 6, 2017: DeRozan returns from ankle sprain, scores 31 against Clippers

On February 6, 2017, after missing seven of the previous eight games due to a sprained ankle, DeRozan returned to score 31 points in a 118–109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting 50 percent from the field.

April 27, 2017: DeRozan scores 32 points, Raptors win playoff series against Bucks

On April 27, 2017, DeRozan scored 32 points in a 92–89 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, helping the Raptors secure their first-round playoff series victory in six games.

November 3, 2017: DeRozan scores 37 points against Utah Jazz

On November 3, 2017, DeRozan scored 37 points in a 109–100 win over the Utah Jazz, including 17 points and his third career four-point play in the third quarter.

December 13, 2017: DeRozan matches season high with 37 points against Phoenix Suns

On December 13, 2017, DeRozan matched his season high with 37 points in a 115–109 win over the Phoenix Suns.

December 21, 2017: DeRozan sets career high with 45 points against Philadelphia 76ers

On December 21, 2017, DeRozan set a career high with 45 points in a 114–109 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, also achieving a career high with six 3-pointers in nine attempts.

January 1, 2018: DeRozan scores franchise-record 52 points against Milwaukee Bucks

On January 1, 2018, DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points to help the Raptors beat the Milwaukee Bucks 131–127 in overtime, matching the team record with their 12th consecutive home victory. DeRozan was the first player in NBA history to score 50+ points on New Years Day.

January 8, 2018: DeRozan scores 35 points, including go-ahead three-point play

On January 8, 2018, DeRozan scored 35 points, including a go-ahead three-point play with 26.1 seconds left in overtime, leading the Raptors to a 114–113 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

January 13, 2018: DeRozan scores 42 points in loss to Golden State Warriors

On January 13, 2018, DeRozan had a 42-point effort in a 127–125 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

February 2, 2018: DeRozan scores 35 points against Portland Trail Blazers

On February 2, 2018, DeRozan scored 35 points in a 130–105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, making 11 of 22 shots and matching his career high by making six 3-pointers.

March 7, 2018: DeRozan scores 42 points in overtime win over Detroit Pistons

On March 7, 2018, DeRozan scored 42 points in a 121–119 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons.

July 18, 2018: DeRozan traded to San Antonio Spurs

On July 18, 2018, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs along with Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round draft pick, in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. The trade was controversial due to DeRozan's popularity in Toronto and lack of consultation.

October 17, 2018: DeRozan debuts for Spurs with 28 points

On October 17, 2018, DeRozan made his debut for the Spurs, scoring 28 points in a 112–108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2018: Trade to San Antonio Spurs

In 2018, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs.

April 16, 2019: DeRozan scores 31 points in playoff loss to Denver Nuggets

On April 16, 2019, during Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs, DeRozan scored 31 points in a 105–114 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

2019: Trade details for the 2019 draft

In 2019, DeRozan was traded along with Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first round draft pick.

January 29, 2020: DeRozan scores season-high 38 points against Utah Jazz

On January 29, 2020, DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points, along with five assists, in a 127–120 win over the Utah Jazz.

April 26, 2021: DeRozan scores season-high 37 points with 10 assists

On April 26, 2021, DeRozan scored a season-high 37 points, alongside ten assists, in a 146–143 overtime win over the Washington Wizards.

August 11, 2021: DeRozan signs with Chicago Bulls

On August 11, 2021, DeRozan signed with the Chicago Bulls on a three-year, $85 million contract in a sign-and-trade deal.

2021: Trade to Chicago Bulls

In 2021, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

January 1, 2022: DeRozan hits game-winning buzzer-beater against Wizards

On January 1, 2022, DeRozan scored 28 points and hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, giving Chicago a 120–119 road victory over the Washington Wizards, and becoming the first player in NBA history with a game-winning buzzer beater on consecutive days.

December 12, 2023: Passed Clyde Drexler for 35th in NBA All-Time Scoring List

On December 12, 2023, DeMar DeRozan surpassed Clyde Drexler for 35th place on the NBA All-Time Scoring List during a game against the Denver Nuggets.

March 13, 2024: Scored Season-High 46 Points and Entered 32nd Place on NBA All-Time Scoring List

On March 13, 2024, DeMar DeRozan achieved a season-high score of 46 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a 132–129 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers. During this game, he also moved past Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade, and Adrian Dantley to secure the 32nd position on the NBA All-Time Scoring List, making a fadeaway midrange shot at the buzzer to send it into overtime.

July 8, 2024: Signed with the Sacramento Kings

On July 8, 2024, DeMar DeRozan signed a three-year, $74 million contract with the Sacramento Kings in a sign-and-trade deal.

2024: Trade to Sacramento Kings

In 2024, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings.

2024: Published "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm"

In 2024, DeMar DeRozan's book, "Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm", was published by Harmony Books, detailing his experiences with depression and healing.

February 10, 2025: Scored Season-High 42 Points to lead the Kings to victory over the Mavericks

On February 10, 2025, DeMar DeRozan scored a season-high 42 points, including a baseline floater with 2 seconds left in overtime, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 129–128 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.