DeMar DeRozan could become a scapegoat for Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are navigating a difficult start to the 2024-25 season. Under Mike Brown, the Kings are now viewed as a legitimate postseason threat in the Western Conference. However, injuries and poor production have seen the Kings stutter toward a 10-13 record. 

Not much has changed with the Kings roster between last season and now, except for the addition of DeMar DeRozan on a sign-and-trade deal this summer. Since joining the Kings, the veteran forward is averaging 22.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists. He's shooting 49.7% from the field and 28.9% from three-point range. 

According to an anonymous NBA executive who spoke with ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, DeRozan doesn't bring a winning style of basketball to the equation.

“DeRozan is a highly skilled player who is great to have in the locker room and a guy who you want to give the ball to at the end of a game," the executive said. "But his play hasn't driven winning, and it's something that unfortunately has been the case throughout his career and it's part of why he's changed teams a bunch.”

There's no denying that DeRozan's skill set is somewhat of a throwback. He isn't a perimeter threat, and he thrives in the mid-range, which is consistently devalued in the modern game. However, he has been a picture of consistency throughout his career. Blaming him for his team's not winning a championship is disingenuous. 

Furthermore, the executive's comments now provide the Kings with a pathway to using DeRozan as a scapegoat if their season continues to go sideways. If the veteran isn't perceived to be playing winning basketball, it becomes easy to point the finger and absolve the front office and coaching staff of blame. 

DeRozan chose to join the Kings. He was one of the hottest free agents on the market. The fact that so many front offices wanted to add him to their roster speaks volumes about the impact he can have on the floor. He's too good to be used as a potential scapegoat. If his fit in Sacramento isn't working, they should explore potential trades closer to the Feb. 6 deadline. 

Having an anonymous executive claim you don't play 'winning' basketball is bad enough. Let's hope that it doesn't lead to DeRozan's reputation being questioned as a result. After all, he's been in the NBA for 16 seasons. His body of work speaks for itself.