DeMar DeRozan, 36, acknowledged the finite nature of his career, stating, “You know, me—17 years in—you never know when your last game is going to be … I’m closer to the end than anything. So I just want to enjoy every single moment I have to play basketball.”
The Kings forward is in the second year of a three-year, $73.7 million deal and has started all 63 games this season, averaging 31.8 minutes per contest. He is posting 18.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 49.0% from the field and 86.6% from the free-throw line.
DeRozan has remained a key offensive option alongside Zach LaVine, who is contributing 19.2 points per game, and Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging a double-double in limited appearances. The veteran’s scoring and leadership have helped stabilize the Kings’ offense amid a roster featuring Russell Westbrook, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk.
His durability and consistency are reflected in his playing time, having logged 31.8 minutes per game across a full slate of starts. DeRozan’s efficiency inside the paint remains a cornerstone of Sacramento’s scoring attack, shooting 52.0% on two-pointers.
The Kings currently hold a 14-49 record, sitting last in the Western Conference, while struggling to compete in a league led by the Oklahoma City Thunder (49-15) and San Antonio Spurs (44-17).
