Demar DeRozan Heartbreaking Return

NBA All-Star DeRozan is back in Toronto for the first time since the Raptors traded him last summer. His new team, the San Antonio Spurs, played the Raptors this past Friday. A four-time All-Star in Toronto who helped the Raptors to five straight playoff appearances, DeRozan received a warm welcome when he was introduced.DeRozan said in a news conference at the Spurs’ team hotel. “It’s crazy when you get a whole arena on their feet just showing appreciation. I’m looking forward to it, to feeling the love.” And he truly received the love last night all the way to the end of the game.

 

Leaving Toronto last summer was difficult for DeRozan. Still a teenager when he was drafted by Toronto in 2009, he turned into an All-Star by 2014, building his game year after year. He left town as the franchise leader in points (13,296), field goals (4,716), free throws (3,539), and games (675) DeRozan saw himself being a Raptor for the rest of his career this similar situation happened to Demarcus Cousins when he got traded from the Sacramento Kings after he publicly stated on national television that he would be a king for the rest of his career. But obviously the kings had other plans. 

After the game DeRozan compared the emotional wounds left by the end of his Raptors career to a breakup, but he mentioned it was one with a happy ending.

“She moved on and I moved on,” he joked. “Now we’re both happy.” Which is true it was an even trade they ended up with Kawhi Leonard which was the Spurs best player on their roster who played with them for seven season but didn’t receive the love from his former team when they visited San Antonio. Leonard endured chants of “Traitor! Traitor!” and “Quitter! Quitter!” from the crowd almost the whole night. 

DeRozan finished the game with 23 points and eight assists in 34 minutes. They fell short at the end to the Raptors by 3 it was bitter sweet game. But even with the loss the crowd still cheered on his name and showed him their love and appreciation for what he has done for their organization.