DeMar DeRozan may still burst out to the rim, but for the most part, he plays well. He makes effective use of his body and handles to draw attention from defenders without wasting any energy. His proficiency at the free-throw line is put to use in this situation.
Even with their complete knowledge of DeRozan’s game plan, defenses still find it difficult to prevent him from reaching the free-throw line. DeRozan has been developing his skill for years, which has made him nearly unstoppable in this area of the game.
Experience and practice for the skill
With fifteen years of expertise, DeRozan has acquired a special feel for the game that cannot be taught but is instead learned. His unique pump fake keeps his defender guessing, reaching, and occasionally even jumping. He has an innate sense of where to land the ball. DeRozan said,
“I just read the game, I have a feel for the game,”
“Whether it’s using pump fakes or understanding when a guy is gonna reach. You know, I try to, you know, play the right way. Not necessarily manipulating to where I’m just flailing. Just trying to use guys physicality to my advantage.”
DeMar DeRozan put on a CLINIC in Indy.
46 pts | 15-24 FG | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 stl pic.twitter.com/fHA40thJ6g
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 14, 2024
Inventing fresh strategies to surprise the defense
DeRozan has shot 9.4 free throws per game during the All-Star break, which is a significant improvement over his previous 53-game average of 7.2. Deebo clarified that he continuously reads his opponent’s defense, waiting for them to loosen up or pay attention. DeRozan is prepared to strike and establish contact when that occurs. DeRozan said,
“I think the low pick up (is working better) now because it’s just a natural habit to reach and play with your hands,”
“I think when you get your your angles right. It’s all about how aggressive you be going downhill and reading it. Knowing how to time it up perfectly. It just feel. I’ve been doing it so long.”
DeRozan is a formidable opponent on the floor due to his repertoire of moves and his natural ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line. According to Denver Nugget Peyton Watson,
“I’ve definitely been a victim before,” “It’s just one of those things, you know he’s gonna do it and it’s still hard to guard like. It’s just so believable. He’s a mid-range assassin and if you don’t get a good contest, or time it up to where you get your hand up, right when he’s gonna release, he’s gonna make it.”
Andrew Wiggins fell for the DeMar DeRozan pump fake and first thing Steve Kerr did was walk down the bench and talk to Jonathan Kuminga about it. Expect Kuminga to get some time on DeRozan tonight.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 15, 2022
