DeMar DeRozan achieved a significant milestone in his storied career on March 20, 2025, becoming the 27th player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 career points while playing for the Sacramento Kings against his former team, the Chicago Bulls. This noteworthy achievement was marked by a classic mid-range fadeaway, a nod to the skill set that has defined his playing style. At 35 years of age, DeRozan enters a unique club of active players that includes LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry.
While DeRozan's milestone is deserving of admiration, it occurred during a bittersweet game, as the Kings fell to the Bulls. Coby White, a former teammate of DeRozan, stood out by scoring a game-high 35 points in Chicago’s victory, further overshadowing DeRozan's accomplishment. Nonetheless, DeRozan expressed pride in White’s performance, reflecting a mutual respect that continues despite competitive rivalries. “Rooting for all those guys, honestly,” he said post-game. “I watch every single game when we don’t play. Even if we’re playing at the same time, I check the box score and see how guys do. It was great to see Coby thriving the way I knew he would be.”
Drafted ninth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft out of USC, DeRozan began his professional career with the Toronto Raptors, averaging just shy of nine points per game in his rookie season. His trajectory since then has been remarkable, becoming one of the most reliable scorers in the league. Notably, he is the only active player to reach the 25,000-point milestone with fewer than 1,000 career three-pointers, illustrating his proficiency with two-point shots and his dedication to the mid-range game.
During his three-season stint with the Bulls, DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, establishing himself as an All-Star and contributing significantly to the team's efforts before transitioning to the Kings. In the 2022-2023 season with Chicago, he was instrumental in the playoffs, but as the team began to shift towards a younger roster, DeRozan was traded to the Kings in a three-way deal that also brought Chris Duarte to Chicago.
In the Kings’ game on March 21, DeRozan scored his historic point with 1:56 remaining in the third quarter. His fadeaway jumper demonstrated that he still possesses the skills that made him a household name, even as his eighth NBA season plays out. DeRozan's consistency has been his calling card, having played in 64 games this season, averaging 22.2 points on 48.6 percent shooting.
The matchup against the Bulls was laden with emotions, especially for Zach LaVine, who faced his former team for the first time since being traded to Sacramento last month. He expressed no animosity towards the Bulls, stating that he holds fond memories of his time in Chicago. “I put that jersey on with a lot of pride,” LaVine remarked, emphasizing the respect he maintains for the franchise.
In the backdrop of player trades, DeRozan’s achievement resonates strongly within the NBA community. It serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and passion that players must cultivate throughout their careers. During the game, Tre Jones, who formerly played for the Spurs and was a recent addition to the Bulls, suffered a midfoot sprain, leaving his status uncertain for upcoming games.
As NBA teams reconfigure and prepare for the remainder of the season, DeRozan’s milestone shines a light on the emotional connections that players maintain with their previous franchises. These celebrations coincide with the intense rivalries and nostalgic battles that follow player trades, hinting at exciting matchups ahead.
DeMar DeRozan's story is not just about scoring points; it's about the love for the game and the numerous sacrifices made along the way. Although the Kings lost on that poignant night, DeRozan's legacy continues to grow, and his recent achievement encourages both fans and players alike to appreciate the beauty of the game — beyond just wins and titles.
