May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) advances the ball over the Playoffs decal painted on the court against the Brooklyn Nets in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Nets beat the Raptors 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar Derozan, G Toronto Raptors
Derozan could have very well topped my list but, as of late, he has received some admiration for his elevated game. Formerly, only being known as a dunker/slasher, he has expanded his game to inside and outside. One of the biggest key factors in his emergence last season was his ball-handling skills have improved significantly.
Last season, Derozan finished averaging 22.7 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game, 4 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. At the young age of 25, he will develop a more all-around game and get much better as his career progresses.
We are talking about a player who revamped the entire outlook of an up and down Toronto Raptors franchise and made them a contender in the Eastern Conference. After becoming an All-Star last season, his performance in the playoffs, and for Team USA in the World Cup, he is now a star in this league.
I feel like he deserves more of the spotlight than he gets and I can’t help but wonder how good can he actually be? The sky is the limit for Derozan and his future looks brighter than anybody’s except one player.