Chicago Bulls swingman DeMar DeRozan had a constant presence in the league since the Toronto Raptors selected him ninth overall out of USC in the 2009 NBA Draft.
A mid-range maestro known for his propensity to stand out, DeRozan is one of the toughest players to defend in the league. A crafty and instinctive scorer, his deft footwork and feathery shooting touch appear to have been mastered after a lifetime of dedication. Averaging at least 20 points per game every season since 2013-14, it’s no wonder he’s been named an All-Star six times since.
On the heels, becoming just the 35th player to reach 23,000 career points, DeRozan is now on the verge of an honor. A situation he cannot take lightly.
DeMar DeRozan poised to surpass Dwyane Wade in career points
The next step is Dwyane Wade, with 23,265 career points. Inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer, “Flash” was one of the most popular players in the league. Having retired at the end of the 2018-19 season, Wade’s dominant performances and captivating style of play electrified the NBA at the beginning of his career.
Winning a championship at the age of 24, Wade averaged 34.7 points per game in the 2006 NBA Finals. The second-highest average on the team belonged to Antoine Walker, and was nearly 20 points below Wade’s. As he also averaged 2.7 steals per game, it was a Michael Jordan-a performance similar to that of the Chicago native. It didn’t hurt that, like DeRozan or Jordan, Wade was a dead-eyed shooter inside the arc.
Averaging 23.1 points per game this season, DeRozan – who has 23,097 career points – will pass Wade on the all-time scoring list in seven (or eight) games.
This is a phenomenal feat for the Compton native, who entered the league six years after Wade and has only played in 38 more games thus far.
“The hardest person to protect”
Speaking to NBC Sports Chicago’s KC Johnson about what happened yet another remarkable seasonthe 15-year NBA veteran shared his thoughts on the feat:
“Man, D-Wade when I first came into the league was by far the hardest person to guard,” DeRozan says.
“Me being a two and coming into the Eastern Conference, I had to see him so many times early in my career…He was so physical, so fast. He had a drive that showed why he was one of the best to ever do it. It’s beyond an honor. I grew up watching him play.
So to have the opportunity to pass someone that I look up to, that I’ve played in All-Star games with, that I’ve had a great relationship against, it’s really cool. It means a lot.”
DeRozan and Wade faced each other 24 times in the regular season. Wade’s teams dominated their head-to-head matches, winning 17 of those matchups. However, Wade is just 3-4 against DeRozan in the playoffs.
Examining their numbers creates an even more interesting picture.
DeRozan averaged 20.9 points per game against Wade in the regular season and 22.1 points per game in the playoffs. Without a doubt, he held his own against one of the best goalies of all time. Meanwhile, Wade averaged 21.6 points per game in the regular season and 23.9 points per game in the playoffs. Although Wade has the statistical advantage, comparing their numbers highlights DeRozan’s underrated scoring ability.
DeRozan, reflecting on the all-time greats he’s played during his career, says “it’s a special thing.”
“Because when you sit down, I realize I played against some of the biggest scorers in this league. To continue to play and pass guys is beyond amazing.
Steph, James (Harden), Russ (Westbrook), KD, we’re all top 35 scorers of all time. It really only really hits me in the offseason when I actually watch it. And this does not come from chance. It comes with hard work, sacrifice, and a lot of pain. So it’s definitely something cool.
Witness to 40,000
Reflecting on one’s own almost unfathomable longevity may not be easy. However, when looking at the accomplishments of other stars, DeRozan had another thought. The idea that even he – an exceptional scorer by all accounts – saw a record being set that may never be broken.
“I was telling someone the other night when I passed 23,000,” DeRozan says, “I came home and realized this man had 40,000.”
“In my opinion, I don’t think anyone can break that,” he concedes. “It’s the most incredible thing you can witness. Accessories for Lebron [James] being dominant for 21 years.
