DeRozan values mentoring Fox and other young Kings players originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
DeMar DeRozan brings more than just elite scoring and availability to the Kings – he comes to Sacramento with solid experience and maturity as well.
The 34-year-old is entering his 16th season in the NBA. Sacramento’s remaining roster is made up of 11 players under the age of 29, and Kings center Alex Len, 31, is the only 30-year-old player on the roster besides DeRozan.
Another from Sacramento stars like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray – all 28 or younger – have led in California’s capital in recent seasons. DeRozan explained his willingness to mentor his new, young teammates — on and off the court — to Atletico’s Hunter Patterson in an exclusive interview.
“I’m proud of it,” DeRozan told Patterson about sharing wisdom with his teammates. “Just giving whatever life experience I’ve been through, sharing that and giving whatever kind of gem I can give to help avoid any kind of pitfall that someone else might go through if they hadn’t gone through something.
“I’ve been through a lot on and off the court that I feel like I can share. Whatever experience I can offer, I will try to give it my all because I want the best for everyone I work with or play with and I want them to thrive in the best way they can.”
Over nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors, three with the San Antonio Spurs and three with the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan played in 11 NBA All-Star Games and 63 playoff games.
However, in addition to being a star averaging 21.2 points and shooting 46.9 percent for his entire career, the California native has been a huge advocate for mental health. DeRozan has been very open about his battles with stress, anxiety and depression for many years and has made himself available and vulnerable to anyone going through difficult times.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, DeRozan will share defensive duties with Fox. Although Fox has been a king throughout his seven-year career, DeRozan has made it clear that the 26-year-old, while immensely talented, can look you for any personal or professional advice.
Of course, the two electric gunners are proud parents who often miss their loved ones on the road.
“He’s electric,” DeRozan told Patterson about Fox. “One of the best point guards in the league. His ability to take control of a game, to win a game, has obviously been well documented. But his motivation and his hunger to want to win, you see that every night.
“Sometimes it is difficult to be a father and balance being a family man and working. Sometimes it gets difficult, especially when you are away from your children. If something happens, just little things like that. Have fatherly conversations with someone who is already a father. Any information I can give, I will, and vice versa as well.”
DeRozan is already beloved in Sacramento for being one of – if not the – biggest players to not only agree to join the Kings in free agency, but to turn down big-market teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and Miami Heat in the process.
However, loyal Kings fans’ love for their new star will only grow as they get to know DeRozan more as a person.
The Sacramentans will have plenty of time to do that, considering the potential Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee signed a three-year, $76 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season.
After a disappointing loss in the NBA Play-In Tournament ended the Kings’ 2023-24 season, Sacramento such as franchise and city I couldn’t have more expectations for his next campaign with DeRozan.
It seems like the veteran’s talent and personality will fit the Kings like a glove.
