Like most of the other NBA stars, DeMar DeRozan did not ascend to the scene suddenly. It took him blood and sweat to reach a level he’s been performing since his debut in 2009.
Although we don’t generally see the Sacramento Kings superstar guard opening up about his early days too much. All we see is a six-feet-six California-born Deebo who’s ready to go up against any opponent.
But where did all of it come from? A tough high school environment for sure.
During a recent Run Your Race podcast appearance, DeRozan reflected on the harsh realities he faced while playing high school basketball.
“I always tell people, like me in high school and every high school we used to go to, at my high school, we had to deal with whatever gang was at that high school. So we getting off the bus, we could be getting banged on by another hood from that school. It’s been times I played in gyms,” DeRozan said.
DeMar DeRozan has had an impressive NBA career, marked by his relentless work ethic, midrange skills, and clutch performances. However, his journey to becoming a six-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist was far from easy.
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Growing up in Compton, California, he faced significant challenges during his teenage years. He encountered a dangerous environment characterized by gang violence.
DeMar DeRozan Addressed His Early Days Struggle
While he experienced tough surroundings growing up, DeMar DeRozan had an equally challenging start to his NBA career.
Recently, he shared his thoughts on his rocky start to his time with the Sacramento Kings.
After arriving in a sign-and-trade deal from the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan hoped to be part of a playoff-bound team. And thought of teaming up with rising star De’Aaron Fox and head coach Mike Brown.
Instead, he faced a season filled with challenges, as the Kings missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. Despite putting up solid numbers, he averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
During the same heartfelt conversation, DeRozan opened up about the events he experienced during the season.
“It was a lot of firsts from the standpoint, like you said, it was just a lot that transpired. A lot went on, from firing the coach to trading their franchise player. Just so much stuff that just transpired man, that I never would imagine, that was a first,” DeRozan said.
The Sacramento Kings are expected to explore potential trade options involving DeMar DeRozan, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 13, 2025
“The focus in the California capital shifts now to what sort of dealing we could see from the Kings' new regime. There has been no shortage of rumbles, since the… pic.twitter.com/RgkcX0bwc4
He talked about how everything felt like it was in flux, with their coach fired and key players traded. While he tried to keep everyone motivated, the constant shake-ups made it tough for him to focus on what was happening on the court.
