In 2018, DeMar DeRozan was traded from the Toronto Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs in a move that left fans and players alike stunned. At the time, it signaled the beginning of a new era for the Raptors, one in which Kawhi Leonard became the driving force behind the team’s success. Now, just five years after the trade, DeRozan has the chance to end this Raptors era and cement his place in the franchise’s history. As the Spurs prepare to face off against Toronto, Sportsnet takes a closer look at what this game means for the former Raptor and the team that he was once the face of.
The Toronto Raptors are facing the Chicago Bulls in a play-in game, and it’s possible that DeMar DeRozan, who was traded by the Raptors in 2018, could seal their fate. DeRozan was a franchise icon for the Raptors, leading them to 59 wins in his final year and staying loyal to the market like no one before him. However, he was ultimately traded for Kawhi Leonard, who delivered a championship before leaving town. Since then, the Raptors have lost key players like Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Danny Green. Even their head coach Nick Nurse may be leaving soon. The Raptors went from winning a championship in the first year without DeRozan to sliding back to their first-ever play-in tournament this season.
As they face DeRozan and the Bulls, the Raptors are relying on O.G. Anunoby to be their primary defender against his former teammate. Anunoby, who was a rookie in DeRozan’s last year with the Raptors, has developed into one of the best wing defenders in the game and is a strong candidate for one of the NBA’s all-defence teams this season. His combination of size, strength, quickness, and length is a problem for almost anyone he covers, and he’s learned from DeRozan’s offensive tricks and become more sophisticated himself.
The Bulls present more problems than DeRozan alone, with Zach Lavine averaging 26 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, and the addition of noted defensive pest Patrick Beverly in the buyout market making them the NBA’s best defensive team since the all-star break. Both the Bulls and the Raptors made decisions at the trade deadline to commit to seeing this season through, rather than veering into tank mode. It remains to be seen who will come out on top in the play-in game and secure a chance to compete in the playoffs.
As DeMar DeRozan continues to thrive with the San Antonio Spurs, his upcoming reunion with the Toronto Raptors should be one to watch. With a chance to potentially end the Raptors era, there’s no doubt that the former All-Star will leave a lasting impression on the team and its history. Despite their past, DeRozan’s love for the city and the fans is undeniable, and it’s clear that his return will be emotional for everyone involved. Regardless of the outcome, his legacy in Toronto will never be forgotten, and his impact on the Raptors will be felt for years to come.
