NBA Executive Blasts Kings Star DeMar DeRozan

An anonymous NBA executive recently had some harsh words about DeMar DeRozan’s playing style, suggesting that his approach to the game isn’t enough to drive winning success for his team. As the Sacramento Kings find themselves struggling with a 10-13 record, sitting 12th in the Western Conference, the executive’s comments cast doubt on the impact of DeRozan, despite his impressive resume as a six-time NBA All-Star. Could the Kings be making a mistake by relying on a player with a history of underachievement in the postseason?

DeMar DeRozan’s Struggles in Sacramento So Far

After joining the Sacramento Kings in July, DeRozan’s hopes of leading the team to the playoffs have not yet come to fruition. Despite averaging 22.7 points per game on 49.7% shooting, along with 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists, the Kings remain on the outside looking in when it comes to the NBA’s play-in tournament. While DeRozan is widely regarded as one of the best fourth-quarter closers in the game, his contribution has not been enough to propel Sacramento into playoff contention.

The NBA Executive’s Critique: A Lack of Winning Impact

The anonymous NBA executive told ESPN that DeRozan’s style of play may not be the key to success, particularly in the context of team-oriented goals. While acknowledging DeRozan’s skill set and leadership abilities in the locker room, the executive emphasized that DeRozan’s play has historically failed to drive teams toward victory.

“He’s great to have in the locker room and you want him with the ball at the end of the game, but his play hasn’t driven winning,” said the executive. This view points to a pattern in DeRozan’s career: despite his individual brilliance, his teams have struggled to win consistently, which has led him to change teams multiple times in search of a championship.

A History of Underachievement in the Playoffs

One of the main criticisms of DeMar DeRozan is his lack of postseason success. Since being drafted 9th overall in 2009 by the Toronto Raptors, DeRozan has not won an NBA championship and has failed to secure a playoff series victory since 2018. In fact, he has been a part of eight teams that finished with a losing record, underscoring the concerns about his ability to help teams compete at the highest level.

For a team like the Kings, who are desperate to end their playoff drought, DeRozan’s inability to contribute to deep postseason runs is a concerning factor. Despite his experience, the Kings may need more than just a locker room leader—they need a player who can translate individual brilliance into team success.

Sacramento Kings’ Slow Start: Can DeRozan Turn It Around?

After a hectic offseason that saw DeRozan join the Kings, the team’s performance has been underwhelming, to say the least. Currently sitting outside of the play-in tournament picture, the Kings must make a push for the playoffs if they are to make good on their offseason investments. Sacramento’s upcoming games against two bottom-feeding teams in the Western Conference could serve as a critical turning point for both DeRozan and the Kings.

These games represent a prime opportunity for DeRozan to prove that he is more than just a player who excels in isolation situations and can actually lead a team to meaningful victories. If he fails to make a significant impact in these upcoming games, questions will continue to surround his role in Sacramento’s future.

Conclusion: Is DeRozan the Right Player for Sacramento?

The jury is still out on DeMar DeRozan’s fit with the Sacramento Kings. Despite his individual success, his lack of playoff success and consistent underachievement have raised doubts about his ability to elevate a team to championship contention. With the Kings looking to break their playoff drought, it remains to be seen if DeRozan can deliver the results Sacramento so desperately needs.

The next few games will be crucial for the Kings’ chances of turning their season around—and for DeRozan’s legacy as a player who can lead his team to postseason glory.