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DeMar DeRozan is stepping up when the Toronto Raptors need him the most.
With the evolution of the NBA, it seems that DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors has been made out to be a poster boy of an old approach to the game. A mid-range specialist that thrives in the post and at the free throw line.
Without a reliable three point shot, many question the ceiling of what DeRozan can provide. But with Kyle Lowry out of the lineup, DeRozan is showing growth in his game and becoming a more complete player. That improved play is translating to team success for the Raptors.
With an increased emphasis on analytics, it appears volume scoring is becoming an underappreciated aspect of the game. While DeRozan's true shooting percentage ranks 159th in the league, every contending team needs a player that can take and make tough shots.
His ability to shoulder a heavy load makes things easier for the rest of the team. By him taking on the load he carries, the role players aren't asked to do more than they're capable of. There's more than one way to make teammates better, something that isn't always captured in assists.
Where DeRozan has run into trouble in the past is when his shot isn't falling. As a limited play-maker and poor defender, if he isn't scoring, he is usually a liability on the court. As he's improved, those occasions are becoming rarer and rarer.
However, against better defensive teams, his impact can be minimized.
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With Lowry out of the lineup, it has forced DeRozan to make an impact in multiple aspects of the game. While there were growing pains early on, DeRozan is showing some of the best passing and defense of his career in Lowry's absence.
The Raptors are 4-1 over their last five games and DeRozan's play has been the biggest reason for this. While the additions of P.J. Tucker and Serge Ibaka have helped change the culture of the team, DeRozan is embracing the team's new defensive approach.
On the season, the Raptors are four points better per 100 possessions with DeRozan off the court. This is mostly a result of how effective the bench lineups with Lowry are, but the biggest drop-off the team has with DeRozan has come on the defensive end.
With Lowry out of the lineup, the Raptors are 4.2 points per 100 possessions better with DeRozan on the court. Plus, the team's defensive efficiency is two points better with DeRozan.
While he still has lapses on the defensive end, the effort has noticeably increased. In addition to his improved defense, DeRozan is starting to see the floor better as a play-maker.
On the year, DeRozan generates eight potential assists per game. That figure puts him at 49th in the league in creating opportunities for other players. For a player that gets the ball as frequently as he does, that's not a very high rate of play-making.
In the 14 games Lowry has missed, DeRozan's potential assists per game has only increased to 8.4. Early in Lowry's absence, DeRozan was trying to will the Raptors to victory with his offensive game.
But recently he has shown an understanding that the team needs help from him in other aspects of the game.
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In the team's recent 4-1 stretch, DeRozan is generating 9.8 potential assists per game. His balanced approach is benefiting both the team, as well as his individual play. Over the last five games he is averaging 25 points and 4.6 assists per game on 48.5 percent shooting.
His willingness to move the ball has made him more unpredictable and more lethal as a scorer.
While the play-making load will be reduced upon Lowry's return, the lessons learned over this time could prove to be invaluable. DeRozan is learning that if he trusts his teammates and pitches in on defense, the team can still win games.
A balanced approach to the game will help his shot selection and assist in making sure that he is still an effective player when his shot isn't falling.
One thing DeRozan has shown throughout his career is consistent growth. While his improvement has often come from within the margins, it has helped him grow to the player he is today. When faced with adversity, he has risen to the occasion and has learned valuable lessons in past failures.
If this approach continues, not only will DeRozan take the next step as a player, but the Toronto Raptors will be closer to taking the next step as a team. For a team that is set to make a sizable investment in its current core, that internal growth is vital if they want to contend in the future.
