DeMar DeRozan using outside noise as fuel, urges teammates to do the same

DeMar DeRozan is entering his second season with the Sacramento Kings after signing a three-year $73.9 million deal with the franchise last summer. At the time, DeRozan was viewed as the missing piece to the Kings' rotation and was supposed to elevate the franchise into a genuine contender in the Western Conference.

Unfortunately for the Kings, things didn't work out as planned. De'Aaron Fox was ultimately traded to the San Antonio Spurs. In a shocking turn of events, 2023 Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown was relieved of his duties. Sacramento ultimately finished ninth in the West and failed to emerge from the play-in tournament. 

DeMar DeRozan wants the Kings to thrive on doubt

The Kings will enter the 2025-26 season with significantly lowered expectations on their shoulders. Scott Perry is entering his first year in the front office, while Doug Christie is just wrapping up a full preseason with his roster.

During a recent news conference, the veteran forward explained how he's using the current outside noise and doubts as fuel entering into the new campaign. DeRozan also urged his teammates to follow suit. 

"You've got to find fuel wherever you can find it," DeRozan said. "And that's definitely one of them. To see those bu-----t lists that they put out there. You've definitely got to be fueled off that without a doubt....Everybody else got to take that personally, too."

On paper, the Kings still have a strong roster. Domantas Sabonis and DeRozan are undoubtedly the stars, while Keegan Murray is the franchise's future. The offseason additions of Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook will also give the coaching staff the pace of play it's looking for. 

Nevertheless, the team's performance on the defensive side of the floor will ultimately dictate its success. 

DeRozan can lead by example 

DeRozan is a veteran leader on the Kings roster. He will have a sizeable role to play in the coming season, and having spent years leading the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors, he knows how to help galvanize his teammates. 

Therefore, the Kings' roster would be wise to listen to DeRozan's advice. And if that means taking things said outside the organization personally, to help instill a fire into their on-court approach, then so be it. After all, after last season's slide, the Kings need every advantage they can get back on track.