Mike Brown on DeMar DeRozan: “He’s an elite mid-range guy”

Oct 26, 2024 4:40 PM

DeMar DeRozan had a solid debut performance for the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, putting up 26 points and grabbing eight rebounds over nearly 43 minutes on the floor.

His presence impacted the team, as the Kings outscored the Minnesota Timberwolves by eight points during his time on the court.

However, Sacramento ultimately fell just short, losing by two points in a game that highlighted the adjustment period they’re facing as DeRozan integrates into the team, as reported by Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee.

One area of adjustment is shot selection, especially from beyond the arc. The Kings, who ranked third in the NBA last season with an average of 39.3 three-point attempts per game, attempted only 29 threes in Thursday’s game – a significant drop and well behind Minnesota’s aggressive 50 attempts from long range.

“His game is the mid-range,” Kings head coach Mike Brown said, referring to DeRozan’s signature style. “He’s an elite mid-range guy, and so he’s going to take a lot of shots, and that’s going to probably take away from the (three-point shots) some.”

Despite the adjustments needed to accommodate DeRozan’s style, the Kings are optimistic that the team will adapt quickly and that DeRozan’s ability to create his own shot and generate offense will ultimately benefit them.

His skills as a 35-year-old veteran add another layer to their offensive play, giving Sacramento a new dimension in breaking down defenses.

Teammate Kevin Huerter emphasized DeRozan’s versatility and playmaking ability, saying, “He can run an offense all by himself. There’s times you can just give him the ball, and he can go make plays. He doesn’t need plays drawn up for him.” Huerter expressed confidence that as DeRozan settles in, the team will improve steadily.

“As he continues to get more comfortable, we’ll get a lot better. … It’s game one, so we’re early. It’s obviously going to take time. Everybody’s still figuring everything out.”

The Kings are hopeful that with more time to adjust, DeRozan’s mid-range expertise will become an asset, adding depth to their scoring options and providing a reliable offensive anchor as the season progresses.