DeMar Darnell DeRozan (born August 7, 1989) is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Known for his exceptional midrange scoring, consistency, and leadership, DeRozan has become one of the most prolific forwards in NBA history. Over a 16-year career, he has scored over 25,000 points, earned six All-Star selections, and represented the United States on the international stage, winning two gold medals.
Hailing from Compton, California, DeRozan’s journey from a challenging upbringing to NBA stardom is a story of resilience, dedication, and determination. He played high school basketball at Compton High School, followed by a standout freshman season at USC, before entering the 2009 NBA Draft as the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors.
In July 2024, DeRozan joined the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster trade, teaming up with stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and immediately became the focal point of the Kings’ playoff ambitions.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | DeMar Darnell DeRozan |
| Date of Birth | August 7, 1989 |
| Age | 35 (as of October 2024) |
| Birthplace | Compton, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Position | Small forward / Shooting guard |
| High School | Compton High School |
| College | USC (2008–2009) |
| NBA Draft | 2009, 1st Round, 9th overall (Toronto Raptors) |
| NBA Teams | Toronto Raptors (2009–2018), San Antonio Spurs (2018–2021), Chicago Bulls (2021–2024), Sacramento Kings (2024–present) |
| Career Highlights | 6× NBA All-Star, 2× All-NBA Second Team, All-NBA Third Team, Pac-10 Tournament MVP, First-team Parade All-American, McDonald’s All-American |
| National Team | Gold Medals – 2014 FIBA World Cup, 2016 Rio Olympics |
| Career Points | 25,000+ (as of March 2025) |
Early Life and High School Career
DeRozan was born to Frank and Diane DeRozan in Compton, California, a city known for its tough environment. His parents instilled discipline and focus from a young age, steering him away from local dangers and nurturing his basketball talents.
At Compton High School, DeRozan emerged as one of the nation’s top prospects in the 2008 class. He averaged 29.2 points and 7.9 rebounds as a senior, led his team to back-to-back Moore League championships, and earned first-team Parade All-American honors. He also participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game, winning the slam dunk competition, and starred in the Jordan Brand Classic.
College Career
DeRozan committed to USC, where he played one season (2008–2009). Starting all 35 games, he averaged 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He excelled in the Pac-10 Tournament, earning MVP honors, and ranked among USC’s all-time freshman leaders in points and rebounds. Following a standout season, he declared for the 2009 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
Toronto Raptors (2009–2018)
Drafted 9th overall, DeRozan quickly became a cornerstone of the Raptors. Over nine seasons, he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, earned multiple All-Star selections, and led Toronto to several playoff appearances. Highlights include scoring 52 points in a single game and multiple 40-point playoff performances.
San Antonio Spurs (2018–2021)
In 2018, DeRozan was traded to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. In San Antonio, he maintained his scoring prowess, recorded his first career triple-double, and consistently delivered strong performances despite team playoff struggles.
Chicago Bulls (2021–2024)
DeRozan signed a three-year, $85 million contract with the Bulls in 2021. He broke multiple franchise records, including longest streaks of 35+ points with 50% shooting, and reached 20,000 career points, joining an elite group of scorers. He also earned consecutive All-Star selections in 2022 and 2023.
Sacramento Kings (2024–present)
In 2024, DeRozan joined the Kings on a three-year, $74 million deal. He quickly became the team’s leader, helping them compete in a stacked Western Conference. By March 2025, he surpassed 25,000 career points, entering the 25th spot on the NBA All-Time Scoring List.
International Career
DeRozan has represented Team USA in international competitions, winning gold medals at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain and the 2016 Rio Olympics, showcasing his scoring and leadership on the global stage.
Playing Style
At 6’6” and 220 lbs, DeRozan is known for his midrange scoring, footwork, and ability to create in clutch moments. His versatility allows him to play both small forward and shooting guard, and he is widely regarded as one of the best midrange shooters in NBA history.
DeRozan’s career embodies longevity, scoring excellence, and leadership, making him a key figure in modern NBA history and a consistent All-Star-level performer for over a decade.
