DeMar DeRozan pivots from scoring machine to maestro, orchestrating the Sacramento Kings' offense and unlocking teammates' potential.
DeMar DeRozan recently moved into No. 20 on the NBA's all-time scoring list, eclipsing NBA champion Paul Pierce last month. DeRozan now sits at 26,422 points, just 25 behind Stephen Curry.
But since the All-Star break, DeRozan has seemingly switched his role, taking fewer shots while serving as one of the Sacramento Kings' main facilitators. In his past four games, DeRozan is averaging just six shot attempts while posting seven and nine points over his last two.
Scoring in single digits in back-to-back games should be seemingly impossible for one of the top-20 scorers in NBA history, but DeRozan is focusing on getting his teammates more involved.
DeRozan is averaging four assists per game this season, but has seen a stark increase in dimes with his less aggressive approach. In Sacramento's most recent victory, DeRozan accounted for five assists and zero turnovers, including three in the first half.
Kings big man Precious Achiuwa capitalized on the increased shot budget, tallying a career high 29 points. Achiuwa was DeRozan's main partner in the pick and roll, rolling hard for DeRozan's feeds. His second score from DeRozan was an emphatic alley-oop dunk, finishing off the slick feed.
Rookie forward Nique Clifford has also been a main beneficiary of DeRozan's unselfishness, raising his scoring average to nearly 17 points per game over his last four appearances.
DeRozan's shift in play style may be a tactic to make himself more valuable to a contending team. According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, DeRozan is looking to return to his native California to end his career by suiting up for either Los Angeles team.
DeRozan, a Compton native, would add valuable experience and versatility to a Lakers or Clippers squad that is not devoid of scoring talent. With two years and a whopping $49 million remaining on his contract, the Kings may look to offer DeRozan a buyout or wait to move him in the offseason.
Nevertheless, DeRozan's unselfishness and leadership has provided the Kings' young talent with increased opportunity. Players like Achiuwa and Clifford are becoming more comfortable with each passing night, while gaining increased confidence and experience.
Sacramento kicks off a five-game home stand Tuesday, March 2, against the Phoenix Suns at 11:00 p.m. ET.
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