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 Darnell DeRozan, nicknamed "Deebo", is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009 after playing college basketball for USC, DeRozan has established himself as a prolific scorer and consistent performer. A six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team member, he's currently ranked sixth among all active NBA players on the all-time scoring list.

Sections (4)

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

1986: Best Start Since Michael Jordan

With 34 points in November 2016, DeRozan's five straight 30-point games set the best such start to a season since Michael Jordan did it for six straight games to open the 1986–87 season.

1987: Best Start Since Michael Jordan

With 34 points in November 2016, DeRozan's five straight 30-point games set the best such start to a season since Michael Jordan did it for six straight games to open the 1986–87 season.

2003: Beats Franchise Record

DeRozan's combined 72 points in October 2016, bested Vince Carter's franchise record of 65 for the most points through the first two games of a season, set in the 2003–04 season.

2008: Raptors Missed Playoffs Since 2008

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

2008: High School Achievements

In 2008, as a senior, DeRozan led Compton High School to a 26-6 record and earned several awards, including Moore League Most Valuable Player Award and California All-State team honors. He was also a member of the 2008 McDonald's All-American Team and won the 2008 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Competition. He was invited to play in the 2008 Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit.

April 8, 2009: Announced Decision to Enter 2009 NBA Draft

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

June 25, 2009: Selected Ninth Overall by Toronto Raptors

On June 25, 2009, DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft to help take better care of his mother.

July 9, 2009: Signed Rookie Contract with Raptors

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

2009: Drafted by Toronto Raptors

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

2009: Accomplishment since Chris Bosh in 2009-10

On November 10, 2015, DeRozan scored a then season-high 29 points in a loss to the New York Knicks. Reaching the 15-point mark for the eighth straight game to start the season, he became the first Raptor since Chris Bosh in 2009–10 to accomplish the feat.

December 31, 2010: Scored Career-High 37 Points

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

November 12, 2012: Matched Career High of 37 Points

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

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

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

2013: Breakout Season 2013-14

DeRozan's 2013–14 season was a breakout year, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds and assists. He led the Raptors to a 48-34 record in 2013.

2013: DeRozan's team reaches postseason

In 2013, DeRozan's team reached the postseason.

January 22, 2014: Scored Career-High 40 Points Against Dallas Mavericks

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

April 19, 2014: First Playoff Game

On April 19, 2014, in his first playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets, DeRozan scored 14 points.

November 10, 2015: Scored Season-High 29 Points

On November 10, 2015, DeRozan scored a then season-high 29 points in a loss to the New York Knicks. He became the first Raptor since Chris Bosh in 2009-10 to reach the 15-point mark for the eighth straight game to start the season.

July 14, 2016: Re-signed with Raptors

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

October 26, 2016: 40-Point Outing

On October 26, 2016, 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 Houston Rockets

On January 8, 2017, DeRozan scored 36 points in a loss to the Houston Rockets, marking his 18th game of the season with 30 or more points.

April 27, 2017: DeRozan helps Raptors win playoff series against Milwaukee Bucks

On April 27, 2017, DeRozan scored 32 points in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks, helping the Raptors win their first-round playoff series.

December 21, 2017: DeRozan scores career-high 45 points against Philadelphia 76ers

On December 21, 2017, DeRozan scored a career-high 45 points and made six 3-pointers in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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

On January 1, 2018, DeRozan scored a franchise-record 52 points in a win against the Milwaukee Bucks, marking the team's 12th consecutive home victory. He was the first player in NBA history to score 50+ points on New Years Day.

July 18, 2018: DeRozan traded to the San Antonio Spurs

On July 18, 2018, DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs along with Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first round draft pick in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green.

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

On October 17, 2018, DeRozan debuted for the Spurs, scoring 28 points in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2018: Traded to San Antonio Spurs

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

April 16, 2019: DeRozan scores 31 points during Game 2 against Denver Nuggets

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

2019: First round draft pick traded to the San Antonio Spurs

In 2019, a protected first round draft pick was traded to the San Antonio Spurs.

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

On January 29, 2020, DeRozan scored a season-high 38 points in a win against the Utah Jazz.

April 26, 2021: DeRozan scores season-high 37 points against Washington Wizards

On April 26, 2021, DeRozan scored a season-high 37 points in an overtime win against the Washington Wizards.

August 11, 2021: DeRozan signs with the Chicago Bulls

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

2021: Traded to Chicago Bulls

In 2021, DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

January 1, 2022: DeRozan hits game-winning shot against Washington Wizards

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

January 2, 2023: DeRozan Scores 44 Points in Overtime Loss

On January 2, 2023, DeRozan scored 44 points in a 145–134 overtime loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

December 12, 2023: DeRozan Passes Clyde Drexler on All-Time Scoring List

On December 12, 2023, DeRozan passed Clyde Drexler for 35th on the NBA All-Time Scoring List in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

March 13, 2024: DeRozan Scores Season-High and Enters 32nd on All-Time Scoring List

On March 13, 2024, DeRozan scored a season-high 46 points and passed Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade, and Adrian Dantley to enter 32nd place on the NBA All-Time Scoring List in a 132–129 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers.

July 8, 2024: DeRozan Signs with Sacramento Kings

On July 8, 2024, DeRozan signed with the Sacramento Kings on a three-year, $74 million contract in a sign-and-trade deal that also involved the San Antonio Spurs, with Chris Duarte, RaiQuan Gray and draft considerations going to Chicago and Harrison Barnes to San Antonio.

2024: DeRozan's Book "Above the Noise" Published

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

Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm

Check it on Amazon

2024: Traded to Sacramento Kings

In the summer of 2024, DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings.

February 10, 2025: DeRozan Scores Season-High to Lead Kings to Victory

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