No one can stop Demar DeRozan
No one can stop Demar DeRozan
DeRozan is on a tear. How is he doing it?
Anecdotally, I think there have been more blocked jump shots in the NBA over the past couple of years. I have no idea how to prove this, but there are so many big, athletic perimeter defenders that players seem to be getting hands on jumpers more often. This phenomenon (true or not) has not affected Demar DeRozan whatsoever.
That man’s jump shot is completely unblockable. In fact, that man overall is completely unguardable. Take a look at this stat:
DeRozan is breaking Michael Jordan’s scoring records while playing for the Bulls!
His style of basketball is like no one else’s in the NBA. At 32, he’s rounded out his game, developing an exquisite craft and a deep bag of tricks. He’s still very athletic (as we’ll see), but his game is not predicated on athleticism. Instead, he relies on fundamentals and subtle skills he uses to gain an advantage.
He primarily takes midrange shots that would be difficult for most other players. He is oblivious to contests, developing such a good release that no matter where he releases the shot, he keeps it on line. When he jumps, he leans back ever so slightly and juts out his elbows, releasing the ball upward to gain a precise angle:
You’ll notice how good that contest was from Darius Bazley. It did not matter to DeRozan. He simply put even more arc on the ball.
DeRozan’s best skill might be his footwork. Like Kobe Bryant, his footwork is carefully coordinated to help him reach his spots in the midrange. He’s never sprinting, or extending his strides too far. He moves in coordination with his dribble, always prepared to slow down for a hesitation move or a fadeaway.
Just watch his feet on this possession:
Notice what happens when he gets close to the free throw line. He extends his feet, and then shuffles them, without ever picking up his dribble. All the while, he’s giving Jaden McDaniels a little arm to gain space. By the time he picks up his dribble, he’s slowed down and is taking a big step into the paint, drawing contact and making an and-1.
At no point is DeRozan rushing. He has endless hesitation dribbles and pump fakes that bait defenders. He not only invites contact, but expects it. He is almost more comfortable when someone is up close to him, trying to disrupt him, because it means that he can trick that poor defender with all of his moves. He loves to slow down in the lane, probing — his pump fake has always been deadly, and is a big reason that he gets to the free-throw line so often.
DeRozan isn’t known for his crossover, but his dribble moves are steady and in sync. He dribbles between his legs and behind his back at the exact right times, keeping the ball out of reach and using it as an opportunity to slow down:
Defenders are waiting for him to take one of his unguardable jumpers, especially when he gets so far into the paint. He uses that fear against them.
When the opportunity presents itself, he’ll run by you and unleash his youthful athleticism:
Enjoy those hesitation dribbles and brief slowdown on his way to the hoop, too.
Good luck defending this guy. He’s playing better than he ever has, and he is jutting into the top five of the MVP conversation.
What else is happening in the NBA?
Tyreke Evans is back. Evans was suspended two years ago for a drug violation, and at the age of 32, was reinstated yesterday. Per ESPN, he’s considered to be in “good physical condition” and will work out for teams. He’s averaged 15 points in his career. Lots of teams could use a player like him.
OKC Thunder rookie Josh Giddey continues to stand out. He put up a 27-point triple double in an overtime win over the Knicks last night, carefully orchestrating and scoring. Tre Mann, an energetic rookie, had 30 points of his own. OKC won without their two best players (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort). For a team trying to lose, they are not that bad!
The Jazz are getting healthy again. They tore apart the Rockets last night, winning 135-101 with Rudy Gobert back in the lineup. Injuries contributed to their fall back to fourth in the Western Conference.
Stephen Curry made eight threes, but the Warriors lost to the Clippers. Klay Thompson had a rough shooting night. Golden State goes nowhere without Draymond Green.
Seth Curry and Andre Drummond debuted for the Nets in their win over Sacramento at home. Ben Simmons looked to be having a good time on the bench, as he ramps up to a return.