Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has reportedly agreed to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, according to Shams Charania and ESPN sources. This is a massive move to bolster their roster, specifically their bench, and it sends a clear message about what Denver is aiming for.
DeRozan is rolling into his 18th season in the league, but he is far from slowing down. Last year, he was dropping an average of 18.4 points on 13.1 shots, adding 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds to his stat sheet. His True Shooting Percentage of .594 last season proves he can keep that efficiency high, which is exactly what Denver needs. With almost 27,000 points already banked in his career, there is no doubt DeMar can flat-out score.
While DeRozan has been a starter his entire career, including all 77 games he played last year, it looks like Denver’s starting five of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and Aaron Gordon around Nikola Jokic will stay intact. Cam Johnson took a minute to truly get “Jokic Ball” down last year, but he finished the season incredibly strong into the playoffs. The Nuggets will want DeRozan ready for that playoff intensity too, so he will get plenty of run next to Joker to acclimate to playing with a center as the offense’s hub. This signing is huge for the bench, because the Nuggets desperately need an on-ball presence who can score when Jokic is off the court. They had some shots freed up after moving Peyton Watson and losing Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency, and DeRozan is absolutely going to get those minutes and opportunities.
DeMar DeRozan is coming to Denver to change their playoff fortunes in the 26-27 season. Expect him to be a major factor as they chase their goals.
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Originally reported by Denver Stiffs.
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