DeMar DeRozan is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls. Drafted ninth overall in 2009 by the Toronto Raptors, he spent nine seasons with the team, making five playoff appearances. A six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA Team member, DeRozan has also represented the United States in international competition, playing in the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. He was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 and then to the Bulls in 2021.
1978: DeRozan's Scoring Streak Matches Spurs Legend George Gervin
During the 1978-79 NBA season, San Antonio Spurs legend George Gervin achieved a remarkable scoring feat. Years later, DeMar DeRozan equaled Gervin's achievement by scoring at least 25 points in seven of the Spurs' first eight games.
1986: Michael Jordan's Impressive Scoring Streak
Michael Jordan, in the 1986-1987 season, set a record with six straight games of scoring 30 or more points to start the season.
1987: DeRozan Ties Michael Jordan's Record
DeRozan, in 1987, became the first NBA player since Michael Jordan in the 1987-1988 season to have nine 30-point games in his team's first eleven games.
August 7, 1989: Birth of DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan was born on August 7, 1989.
1990: DeRozan Surpasses Jordan's Scoring Streak
During the 1990-91 NBA season, Michael Jordan, playing for the Chicago Bulls, set a franchise record for consecutive 30-point games.
1995: The Origin of "Deebo"
The 1995 film "Friday" introduced the character "Deebo," which would later become DeMar DeRozan's nickname. He earned this nickname in sixth grade after winning a basketball game against an eighth grader. The persistence of the nickname from his childhood to the NBA surprised DeRozan.
1999: Vince Carter's Impressive Scoring Seasons
Vince Carter had back-to-back seasons of over 2,000 points for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 2,107 points in the 1999-2000 season and 2,070 points in the 2000-2001 season.
2000: Vince Carter's Franchise Record
Vince Carter, during the 2000-2001 season, set the Toronto Raptors franchise record with 30 or more points in 30 games.
2003: Vince Carter Sets Franchise Record
Vince Carter, in the 2003-2004 season, set the Toronto Raptors franchise record for most points through the first two games of a season with 65 points.
January 2007: Bosh's Player of the Month Award
Chris Bosh was named Player of the Month in January 2007.
November 2007: Committing to USC
In November 2007, DeMar DeRozan committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California.
2008: High School Accolades
DeMar DeRozan had a very successful senior year at Compton High School, earning many awards and honors including being named to the McDonald's All-American Team and winning the 2008 McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Competition.
2008: High School Career
In 2008, DeMar DeRozan was one of the top college recruits in the nation after a successful high school basketball career at Compton High School.
2008: Playoff Berth
On March 28, 2014, DeMar DeRozan helped the Toronto Raptors clinch their first playoff berth since 2008 after defeating the Boston Celtics.
April 8, 2009: Entering the NBA Draft
On April 8, 2009, DeMar DeRozan declared for the NBA draft.
June 25, 2009: Drafted by the Raptors
On June 25, 2009, DeMar DeRozan was selected as the 9th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors.
July 9, 2009: Signing with the Raptors
On July 9, 2009, DeMar DeRozan officially signed with the Toronto Raptors.
2009: DeRozan enters the NBA
In 2009, DeMar DeRozan was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with the 9th overall pick after a year playing college basketball for USC.
2009: College Basketball at USC
During his freshman year at USC in 2009, DeMar DeRozan led the Trojans to the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament and was named Pac-10 Tournament MVP.
2009: Chris Bosh's 15-Point Streak
In 2009, Chris Bosh, playing for the Toronto Raptors, achieved a streak of eight straight games with at least 15 points.
2010: Sprite Slam Dunk Competition
DeMar DeRozan competed in the 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition but was defeated in the final round by Nate Robinson.
December 31, 2010: Career High Against the Rockets
On December 31, 2010, DeMar DeRozan scored a then career-high 37 points while playing against the Houston Rockets.
2011: Another Slam Dunk Contest
DeMar DeRozan returned for the 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition, this time finishing in third place.
November 12, 2012: Matching a Career-High
DeMar DeRozan matched his career-high of 37 points in a game against the Utah Jazz on November 12, 2012.
November 15, 2013: Third Time's the Charm
On November 15, 2013, DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points against the Chicago Bulls, tying his career-high for the third time.
2013: Spurs Miss Playoffs, Marking DeRozan's First Playoff Absence Since 2013
For the first time since 2013, a team featuring DeMar DeRozan did not participate in the NBA Playoffs. Despite a strong individual season from DeRozan, the San Antonio Spurs finished with a 32-39 record in the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season, falling short of playoff contention.
2013: DeRozan's Daughter, Diar, is Born
In 2013, DeMar DeRozan and his partner welcomed their daughter, Diar, into the world.
2013: Breakout Season
The 2013-2014 season was a breakout year for DeMar DeRozan, during which he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.
January 22, 2014: New Career High
DeMar DeRozan set a new career-high in scoring with 40 points in a game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 22, 2014.
April 19, 2014: First Playoff Appearance
On April 19, 2014, DeMar DeRozan made his first playoff appearance in a game against the Brooklyn Nets.
November 29, 2014: Injury Sidelines DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan suffered a torn left adductor longus tendon during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 29, 2014, sidelining him indefinitely.
December 2014: Lowry Earns Player of the Month
Kyle Lowry was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month in December 2014.
2014: DeRozan's International Play
DeMar DeRozan played for the United States national basketball team in the 2014 World Cup.
2014: DeRozan Wins Gold with Team USA at FIBA World Cup
In 2014, DeMar DeRozan represented the United States at the FIBA Basketball World Cup. He played a key role in the team's success, helping them secure the gold medal.
January 14, 2015: Return to Play
DeMar DeRozan returned to play on January 14, 2015, after recovering from a torn left adductor longus tendon.
March 30, 2015: DeRozan's 42-Point Performance Against the Rockets
On March 30, 2015, DeRozan had a notable performance, scoring 42 points against the Houston Rockets.
November 10, 2015: Season-High 29 Points Against the Knicks
On November 10, 2015, DeRozan scored a then season-high 29 points in a loss to the New York Knicks. This marked his eighth straight game reaching the 15-point mark to start the season.
July 14, 2016: Re-signs with the Raptors
On July 14, 2016, DeRozan re-signed with the Toronto Raptors on a five-year, $139 million contract.
October 26, 2016: Third Career 40-Point Game
On October 26, 2016, DeRozan had his third career 40-point outing in a win against the Detroit Pistons in the season opener.
2016: Olympic Gold for DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan continued his international success in 2016 by representing Team USA at the Summer Olympics. His contributions helped the team achieve Olympic glory once again, winning the gold medal.
2016: Olympic Debut
DeMar DeRozan joined the United States national team again, this time competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2016: DeRozan's All-Star Selection and Player of the Month Award
In 2016, DeRozan was selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve and was named co-winner of the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for January.
January 8, 2017: Career-High 18th 30-Plus-Point Game
On January 8, 2017, DeRozan set a career high with his 18th 30-plus-point game of the season in a loss to the Houston Rockets.
February 6, 2017: Returns from Injury with 31 Points
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 win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
April 27, 2017: Raptors Win First-Round Playoff Series
On April 27, 2017, DeRozan scored 32 points to help the Raptors win their first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
May 18, 2017: Named to All-NBA Third Team
On May 18, 2017, DeRozan was named to the All-NBA Third Team for the first time in his career.
November 3, 2017: DeRozan Leads Raptors to Victory Over Jazz with 37 Points
On November 3, 2017, DeMar DeRozan led the Toronto Raptors to a 109-100 win over the Utah Jazz with an impressive 37-point performance, including 17 points and his third career four-point play in the third quarter.
December 13, 2017: DeRozan Matches Season-High with 37 Points in Win Over Suns
On December 13, 2017, DeMar DeRozan matched his season-high by scoring 37 points, contributing to the Toronto Raptors' 115-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
December 21, 2017: DeRozan Explodes for Career-High 45 Points in Win Over 76ers
On December 21, 2017, DeMar DeRozan set a new career-high with an incredible 45 points, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 114-109 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. He also set a career-high with six 3-pointers in nine attempts.
2017: DeRozan's Playoff Performance and Departure from Toronto
In 2017, during the playoffs, DeMar DeRozan had both highs and lows. He matched his playoff career-high with 37 points in a Game 2 win against the Washington Wizards, but was later ejected in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers for a flagrant foul. This game marked his last with the Toronto Raptors. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team that season and left the franchise as the leader in numerous statistical categories. However, his benching in a crucial Game 3 loss to Cleveland sparked criticism.
January 1, 2018: DeRozan Makes History with Franchise-Record 52 Points on New Year's Day
On January 1, 2018, DeMar DeRozan etched his name in NBA history by scoring a franchise-record 52 points, guiding the Toronto Raptors to a thrilling 131-127 overtime victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. This performance marked the team's 12th consecutive home win, tying a franchise record. DeRozan became the first player in NBA history to achieve a 50+ point game on New Year's Day.
January 8, 2018: DeRozan Lifts Raptors to Overtime Win Over Nets with Clutch Performance
On January 8, 2018, DeMar DeRozan delivered a clutch performance, scoring 35 points, including a game-winning three-pointer with 26.1 seconds remaining in overtime, to secure a hard-fought 114-113 victory for the Toronto Raptors against the Brooklyn Nets.
January 13, 2018: DeRozan's 42-Point Effort Not Enough as Raptors Fall to Warriors
On January 13, 2018, DeMar DeRozan put up an impressive 42 points for the Toronto Raptors, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Golden State Warriors, as the Raptors suffered a close 127-125 loss.
January 18, 2018: DeRozan Selected as NBA All-Star Starter for Second Consecutive Season
On January 18, 2018, DeMar DeRozan earned his second consecutive NBA All-Star starting nod, marking his fourth overall selection to the All-Star game. This achievement placed him third in Toronto Raptors franchise history for All-Star selections, trailing only Vince Carter and Chris Bosh. DeRozan joined Carter and Kyle Lowry as the only Raptors players to earn consecutive NBA All-Star starter selections.
February 1, 2018: DeRozan Named Eastern Conference Player of the Month
DeMar DeRozan's stellar performance throughout January earned him the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award on February 1, 2018.
February 2, 2018: DeRozan Leads Raptors to Dominant Win Over Trail Blazers with 35 Points and Career-High 3-Pointers
On February 2, 2018, DeMar DeRozan led the Toronto Raptors to a commanding 130-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 35 points, including a career-high six 3-pointers out of ten attempts.
March 7, 2018: DeRozan's 42 Points Lift Raptors to Overtime Win Over Pistons
On March 7, 2018, DeMar DeRozan's impressive 42-point performance proved crucial as the Toronto Raptors secured a hard-fought 121-119 overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.
July 18, 2018: DeRozan Traded to San Antonio Spurs in Blockbuster Deal
On July 18, 2018, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a significant move that sent shockwaves through the NBA. The Toronto Raptors received Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in return. The trade sparked controversy as DeRozan was a beloved figure among Raptors fans and was reportedly not consulted beforehand.
October 17, 2018: DeRozan Starts Spurs Career Strong with 28 Points in Season Opener
DeMar DeRozan kicked off his San Antonio Spurs journey with a solid performance on October 17, 2018. He scored 28 points, contributing to the Spurs' 112-108 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season opener.
2018: DeRozan's All-Star Selection
In 2018, DeMar DeRozan was selected to start in the NBA All-Star game, a testament to his rising prominence in the league. This marked his third All-Star selection and his first as a starter. He played for the home team in that year's game.
2018: Traded to the Spurs
After nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2018.
2018: DeRozan's All-Star Start
In 2018, DeMar DeRozan earned his first start in the NBA All-Star Game, solidifying his status as a premier player in the league.
April 16, 2019: DeRozan's 31 Points Not Enough as Spurs Fall to Nuggets in Game 2
DeMar DeRozan delivered a strong performance with 31 points in Game 2 of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the San Antonio Spurs from a 105-114 loss against the Denver Nuggets on April 16, 2019. The Spurs ultimately lost the series in seven games.
2019: The Aftermath of DeRozan's Trade to San Antonio
In 2019, the effects of DeRozan's trade to the San Antonio Spurs continued to be felt. The Toronto Raptors, having acquired Kawhi Leonard, went on to win the NBA championship. This further fueled discussions about DeRozan's playoff capabilities and the rationale behind the trade.
January 29, 2020: DeRozan's Season-High 38 Points Lead Spurs to Victory Over Jazz
On January 29, 2020, DeMar DeRozan turned in a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 38 points and dishing out five assists to power the San Antonio Spurs to a 127-120 win over the Utah Jazz.
February 19, 2021: DeRozan's Father Passes Away
On February 19, 2021, DeMar DeRozan's father, Frank DeRozan, passed away after battling health issues. DeMar DeRozan had been a constant source of support for his father during his illness.
April 26, 2021: DeRozan's Season-High 37 Points Lift Spurs to Overtime Win Over Wizards
On April 26, 2021, DeMar DeRozan put on a show, scoring a season-high 37 points and dishing out ten assists to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a thrilling 146-143 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards.
August 11, 2021: DeRozan Traded to Chicago Bulls in Sign-and-Trade Deal
In a significant move on August 11, 2021, DeMar DeRozan joined the Chicago Bulls through a sign-and-trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The Bulls acquired DeRozan in exchange for Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, a protected first-round draft pick, and two second-round draft picks. Due to his usual number 10 being retired by the Bulls in honor of Bob Love, DeRozan opted to wear number 11.
2021: Joining the Chicago Bulls
In 2021, DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
January 1, 2022: DeRozan's Historic Buzzer Beaters
On January 1, 2022, DeMar DeRozan made history by hitting game-winning buzzer beaters in two consecutive games for the Chicago Bulls. This incredible feat included a 28-point performance against the Washington Wizards, securing a 120-119 victory.
2022: DeRozan's Dominant February and All-Star Appearance
DeMar DeRozan had a stellar February in 2022. He was selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game, his third time as a starter and fifth overall selection. Additionally, DeRozan achieved an NBA record of scoring at least 35 points while shooting 50% or better for eight consecutive games, showcasing his scoring prowess. His performance propelled the Bulls into contention for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and he emerged as a strong MVP candidate.
January 2, 2023: DeRozan's Scoring Outburst
On January 2, 2023, DeMar DeRozan delivered an impressive scoring performance, dropping 44 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite his efforts, the Bulls suffered a 145-134 loss in overtime.
November 1, 2023: DeRozan Surpasses Larry Bird on All-Time Scoring List
On November 1, 2023, DeMar DeRozan achieved a significant milestone in his career by surpassing Larry Bird for 38th place on the NBA's All-Time Scoring List. This accomplishment came during a game against the Dallas Mavericks, even though the Bulls lost.
2023: Diar DeRozan's Playoff Shriek
In 2023, DeMar DeRozan's daughter, Diar, gained national attention for her passionate support during the Bulls' play-in tournament game against the Toronto Raptors. Her consistent shrieking during free throws was credited by some as a factor in the Bulls' 109-105 victory, as the Raptors struggled from the free throw line, making only 18 out of 36 attempts.
March 13, 2024: DeRozan's Scoring Milestone and Season-High Performance
On March 13, 2024, DeMar DeRozan delivered a season-high performance, scoring 46 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in a thrilling 132-129 overtime win against the Indiana Pacers. Notably, he surpassed Elgin Baylor, Dwyane Wade, and Adrian Dantley on the NBA All-Time Scoring List, securing the 32nd spot.