Hoops Habit
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NBA: Players Under Most Pressure To Win First Championship

By Maxwell Ogden

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react from the bench against Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles a pair of basketballs prior to playing Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles a pair of basketballs prior to playing Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 26 (8/7/1989)
Career Slash Line: .442/.283/.825
2015-16 Season Averages: 33.9 MPG, 18.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.9 SPG
Accolades: 2x All-Star

Though he may not be expected to win a title, DeMar DeRozan just received a $139 million contract from the Toronto Raptors. Yes, the same Raptors squad that’s won three consecutive division titles and reached the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals.

Toronto is often dismissed as a championship contender, but given the combination of results and money, DeRozan has entered, “Championship or bust,” territory.

Considering Toronto is dominating its division, winning another division title wouldn’t be progress. By that metric, reaching the Conference Finals again wouldn’t be progress after Toronto took two games from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Considering DeRozan just received a $139 million contract from the Raptors, he’ll be expected to take his team to the next level.

DeRozan will be 27 years of age at the beginning of the 2016-17 season. Thus, he and Kyle Lowry are both in their respective primes, and the likes of DeMarre Carroll, Jared Sullinger, and Jonas Valanciunas all provide immediate value.

Reaching the NBA Finals may or may not be a realistic goal, but DeRozan is being paid like a player who can pull it off.

Next: The Pressure Is Mounting