1. Old school style of play
DeMar DeRozan plays old school ball. He doesn’t do anything too fancy, he takes his time and he loves to shoot mid-range jumpers. These are three things coach Pop is all about. In a league that has become obsessed with the 3-ball, the Spurs have stuck to basics and taking open shots when they are presented, regardless of how many points they are worth.
The incredible thing about DeRozan is his production given his style of play. Last season he averaged 23.0 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 82.7 percent from the free throw line. For someone who probably takes more of the worst shots in the game than anyone else in the league, these are really good results. It makes you question whether everyone else has it right or not.
Such is DeRozan’s love for mid-range jumpers that he had to be brought in for a meeting last season to encourage him to start shooting more 3-pointers. Now he is a much more complete player, having added more range to his arsenal.
DeRozan is one of the last in a dying breed of NBA players who take mid-range shots. Most teams now are concerned with points in the paint, 3-pointers and nothing else in between. For players like DeRozan the in-between is their bread and butter, and it makes them unique and dangerous.
Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
In San Antonio, DeRozan will team up with LaMarcus Aldridge, another player who is known for his mid-range shooting. This old school style of basketball is something that the Spurs embrace, and DeRozan should thrive in his new role with San Antonio.