Scott Perry lauded the six-time All-Star’s veteran leadership and mentorship of young talent following a buyout agreement that clears cap space for Sacramento’s future roster moves.
Following the Sacramento Kings' successful draft and offseason, General Manager Scott Perry held a press conference on Wednesday, where he addressed some of the recent moves from the front office, including parting ways with six-time All Star forward DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan and the Kings came to a buyout agreement on Monday, clearing up $25 million in cap space and allowing the veteran wing to pursue a deal with a contender.
Following the split, Perry had the upmost praise for DeRozan, wishing him luck on the rest of his career.
"I've been in the league 26 years, and he is one of my favorite players to work with..." Perry said. "I'm gonna miss him."
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points per game this season, shooting an efficient 49.7 percent from the field.
Throughout the year, DeRozan leapfrogged multiple Hall of Famers on the NBA's All-Time Scoring List, now sitting at No. 16.
However, Perry focused on DeRozan's veteran presence and intangibles at the presser.
"His professionalism. His leadership," Perry said. "The way he went about preparing for his job each and every day was exemplary and the way he poured into our young players last year, our rookies, was very important and very much appreciated."
DeRozan stepped into a different role than he was used too last season, as Sacramento struggled with injuries and finding a consistent flow.
But, the longtime Toronto Raptors wing continued to stay positive and talk about his teammates more than himself.
During rookie big man Maxime Raynaud's breakout after the All-Star break, DeRozan was his representative for national attention.
"Don't tell him, but from my standpoint, I want him to make the All-Rookie team," DeRozan said in late March.
DeRozan explained that he was angry when Raynaud didn't make the Rising Stars Game, while saying he's enjoyed being able to impart wisdom in him and the rest of the Kings' young talent.
"So it's cool, you know, pushing those young guys to be successful, it's fun to watch."
Following the season, Raynaud earned All-Rookie Second Team honors and made sure to praise DeRozan and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook for helping him grow throughout the year.
"I think their ability to reset their mind and compete night after night after 17, 18 years is unbelievable," Raynaud said. "Having that mental sharpness and mental focus over and over again is something that for me, I admire a ton. Like after a whole season, I already feel washed, you know, and they've been doing it for 18 years and competing at such a high level."
Perry ended his thanks by saying that whichever team lands DeRozan will be lucky to have him.
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