NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
29 of 31
Nov 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard
Nov 6, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard

Toronto Raptors

DeMar Not shooting 3’s

I’m not even trying to be cute with this one. The Toronto Raptors are better off when DeMar DeRozan isn’t trying to shoot threes. DeRozan is averaging a career-high 31 points per game on 49 percent shooting from the field (also a career high). If the Raptors are going to make noise in the Eastern Conference again, they’re going to do it on the back of DeRozan.

And after signing a max contract extension this past summer, DeRozan is answering the questions that many asked when he signed the lucrative contract. Can he carry a team? If 31 points per game doesn’t say it, I don’t know what will.